An Ascension Parish-based IT firm is positioning itself at the center of a growing need among local businesses: cybersecurity and managed technology support.
Have a story idea?
Ascension Business Report is built around what’s happening on the ground. If you have a tip, a story idea or something we should be paying attention to, reach out. Email Ascension Business Report News Editor Jordan Arceneaux at jordan@businessreport.com, or visit Ascension Business Report to learn more.
Gonzales-based VeraPro provides managed IT services, cybersecurity solutions and technical staffing to roughly 40 small and midsize businesses across Ascension Parish, Baton Rouge and the New Orleans region. The company also supports K-12 school systems through device repair and staff augmentation, supplying technicians to assist with everything from help desk operations to data center support.
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, demand for proactive security tools and training is rising — and VeraPro CEO Casey Weber says small and midsize businesses are no longer on the sidelines.
“The bad guys get smarter and smarter,” he says, noting that modern cybersecurity strategies must blend prevention, monitoring and recovery tools.
The firm’s approach centers on what it calls a “360” security model — ranging from network monitoring and email protection to employee phishing training and data backup systems designed to maintain business continuity after an attack.
Email phishing remains the most common entry point for cyberattacks, Weber says, making employee awareness and verification protocols essential. Cyber liability insurance, he adds, can guide businesses through recovery in the event of a breach.
For businesses looking to strengthen their defenses, Weber points to several areas that are often overlooked:
Train employees.
Human error remains the biggest vulnerability. Phishing emails and suspicious links are the most common entry points for cyberattacks. Regular training and simulated phishing tests can help employees recognize red flags before damage is done.
Don’t rely on free security tools.
Many small businesses still use consumer-grade antivirus software or off-the-shelf firewalls — a significant risk, Weber says. Businesses should invest in enterprise-level tools that are continuously updated to respond to new threats.
Work with a managed IT provider.
A trusted IT partner ensures systems are monitored around the clock. Managed service providers can detect issues early, automate updates and respond quickly to potential threats, often before businesses notice a problem.
Build a recovery plan before you need it.
Even strong defenses are not foolproof. Businesses should have backups, clear response procedures and a defined chain of communication in place to minimize downtime after an attack.
Invest in cyber liability insurance.
Weber calls it critical. In the event of a breach, insurers often guide response efforts and help avoid costly missteps.
Act immediately when something seems off.
Delays can be costly. Unusual activity should be reported right away — waiting even a day or two can give bad actors time to escalate an attack.
Start with the right systems from day one.
For new or growing businesses, cutting corners on IT can backfire. Investing in proper infrastructure early is far less expensive than recovering from a cyberattack later.
Founded in 2013, VeraPro has grown alongside Ascension Parish’s expanding business base. Weber says continued economic development — including industrial growth on the parish’s west side — is likely to drive further demand for IT and cybersecurity services as new businesses come online.
