
Gov. Greg Abbott has named the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command as an emergency item during his State of the State address, signaling a prioritized effort to strengthen the state's defenses against escalating cyber threats. The governor's announcement was unexpected but, as Joshua Blank, Research Director at the Texas Politics Project pointed out, "in retrospect, it makes a lot of sense," since cybersecurity infrastructure is crucial for protecting vital resources like the electric grid and water supply, CBS Austin reports. Abbott has cited recent cyberattacks on Texas entities as evidence for the immediate need for such a command.
Abbott elaborated on his choice of San Antonio for the headquarters of the Texas Cyber Command, noting the city's significant pool of cybersecurity expertise, which is purportedly the largest in the world. "We must harness those assets to protect against threats from China, Iran, Russia and other foreign enemies," Abbott said. His urgent call reflects concerns that adversaries could cripple critical infrastructure through cyberattacks. Despite offering no specific budget or timeline, the governor has underscored the command's intended role in cybersecurity awareness, threat detection, coordination with agencies, and the recovery from attacks, Express News reported.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), a leader in cyber and computing programs, is a key partner in this initiative. UTSA's President Taylor Eighmy expressed readiness to collaborate on the project, as the university is already set to launch a new College of AI, Cyber and Computing, further cementing its position in the field. The partnership with the state also aligns with the university's diverse portfolio of cyber initiatives, such as the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute, or CyManII, identified as the nation's sole institute focused on the cybersecurity of U.S. manufacturing.
San Antonio's cybersecurity landscape extends beyond the university setting, encompassing federal entities like the Department of Defense and the National Security Agency, as well as a fast-growing hub at Port San Antonio. Jim Perschbach, president and CEO of Port San Antonio, showcased his backing for the command, suggesting that it will not only boost the city's cybersecurity capabilities but also complement the port's aim for a consolidated Air Force cybersecurity center. The alignment of military, government contractors, and educational institutions in San Antonio presents a formidable front in the fight against cyber incursions, and further establishes the city as a major player in the national defense strategy.