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TLP:CLEARResource library · Free to read

A library of cybersecurity guidance, vetted and free.

A curated collection of the best free cybersecurity publications, guides, and reports we point Houston organizations to, from CISA, NIST, the FTC, the FBI, and other trusted sources. No paywalls, no logins.

The library

Start where you are.

Every resource here is free to read and published by a government agency, standards body, or trusted nonprofit. Pick the shelf that fits you: small business, board, incident response, veterans, or home.

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Start here: small business

ToolkitSmall Business Cybersecurity CornerNISTA free hub of plain-language guides and planning tools built for small businesses.Open GuideCyber Guidance for Small BusinessesCISAFirst steps to secure your business, for owners with limited time or IT staff.Open GuideCybersecurity for Small BusinessFTCBite-sized guides on phishing, passwords, and vendors for everyday small businesses.Open

Ransomware

ToolkitStopRansomware.govCISAThe U.S. government’s one-stop hub to prevent, report, and recover from ransomware.Open Guide#StopRansomware GuideCISAA prevention checklist and a response plan for organizations facing ransomware.Open FrameworkRansomware Risk Management (IR 8374)NISTA structured checklist to gauge and improve your ransomware readiness.Open

Frameworks & standards

FrameworkCybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0)NISTThe standard organizing security into Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover.Open FrameworkCIS Critical Security ControlsCenter for Internet SecurityA prioritized set of 18 practical safeguards that stop the most common attacks.Open FrameworkCross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance GoalsCISAA short, high-impact baseline of security practices any business can adopt.Open

For boards & executives

GuideCyber EssentialsCISAA starter kit helping leaders build a culture of security and ask the right questions.Open ToolkitCyber Security Toolkit for BoardsUK NCSCBoard-level guidance to help directors oversee cyber risk without the jargon.Open

Incident response & data breach

GuideData Breach Response: A Guide for BusinessFTCWhat to do after a breach: secure operations, fix the hole, notify the right people.Open GuideIncident Response Recommendations (SP 800-61r3)NISTNIST’s updated playbook for preparing for, handling, and learning from incidents.Open

Threat landscape reports

ReportData Breach Investigations Report (DBIR)VerizonA free, respected annual analysis of real breaches and how attackers get in.Open ReportInternet Crime ReportFBI IC3The FBI’s yearly tally of reported online crime, losses, and the top scams.Open ReportENISA Threat LandscapeENISAEurope’s cyber agency maps the year’s top threats and trends, free to read.Open

Careers, veterans & workforce

FrameworkNICE Framework Resource CenterNISTThe national reference defining cyber roles, skills, and career paths.Open GuideCybersecurity for VeteransNICCS (CISA)Training, scholarships, and transition resources for veterans entering cyber.Open ToolkitVetSecVetSecA nonprofit helping veterans break into cyber through mentorship, training, and jobs.Open

For individuals & families

ToolkitSecure Our WorldCISAFour simple everyday habits to keep families, phones, and accounts safer online.Open ToolkitIdentityTheft.govFTCReport identity theft and get a personalized recovery plan if your info is stolen.Open GuideNational Cybersecurity AllianceNational Cybersecurity AllianceFriendly, practical tips on passwords, scams, and privacy for families.Open

Why a library

The best cybersecurity knowledge is already free. We help you find it.

Most organizations don’t need to buy expensive research. They need to know which free guidance to trust and where to start. Cyber Houston curates and vets these resources so Houston businesses, professionals, and residents can act on them. As our volunteers publish original research, it will live here too.

Help us grow the library →

Open knowledge needs backers.

Sponsors and donors make it possible to curate, vet, and one day publish original research for free.