News Summary
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a bill to create the Texas Cyber Command, the largest state-based cybersecurity department in the U.S. Headquartered in San Antonio, it aims to bolster defenses against rising cyber threats from foreign adversaries. The command will feature a cyber threat intelligence center and digital forensics lab, providing training and incident response capabilities. With an initial budget of $135 million and support from the University of Texas at San Antonio, the command plans to staff 130 employees by 2027, enhancing statewide cybersecurity efforts.
San Antonio, Texas – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a landmark bill establishing the Texas Cyber Command, which will become the largest state-based cybersecurity department in America. This new initiative comes in response to escalating cyber threats, particularly from foreign adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran. The command will be headquartered in San Antonio and is expected to be fully operational by 2027.
The Texas Cyber Command aims to fortify the state’s defenses against cybercriminals by creating a cyber threat intelligence center. This center will play a crucial role in identifying weaknesses in both state and local government systems. Additionally, the Cyber Command will provide training for state employees focused on preventing cyber breaches and will conduct swift incident responses to cyberattacks.
Furthermore, the command will feature a digital forensics lab designed to enhance cybersecurity measures through sophisticated analysis and evidence gathering. The establishment of the Texas Cyber Command follows a surge in cyberattacks targeting various sectors within the state, prompting local governments to respond. For example, the city of Mission, Texas recently declared a state of emergency due to a cyber incident.
The selection of San Antonio as the headquarters for this new command stems from its strong concentration of cybersecurity experts, second only to Washington D.C. The decision reflects the city’s existing infrastructure and resources that can contribute to the success of cybersecurity operations in Texas.
Funding for the Texas Cyber Command is derived from a substantial investment of $135 million from the state’s General Revenue Fund, which will facilitate operations through 2027. In addition, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has pledged $60.4 million for property acquisition and renovation to support the command’s activities. UTSA has emerged as a leader in educating cybersecurity professionals, being noted for producing the highest number of graduates with bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity in the state.
The initial workforce for the Texas Cyber Command is expected to consist of 65 full-time staff, with plans to increase the number to 130 by 2027. This staffing strategy aims to maintain an effective response team capable of addressing the evolving cyber threat landscape.
Governor Abbott had prioritized the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command, declaring it an emergency item during his 2025 State of the State Address. The command is set to play a pivotal role in coordination efforts with federal agencies such as the FBI, NSA, and the Department of Homeland Security. This interagency collaboration is crucial for enhancing cybersecurity measures across the state and ensuring a well-rounded defense strategy against cyber threats.
As cyber threats continue to be a significant concern nationwide, the creation of the Texas Cyber Command is a proactive step toward safeguarding the digital infrastructure of the state. With the backing of both state funding and educational resources, Texas aims to establish a robust cybersecurity framework designed to respond effectively to any future challenges.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News
- Wikipedia: Texas Cybersecurity
- KVUE News
- Google Search: Texas Cyber Command
- Government Technology
- Google Scholar: Texas Cyber Command
- Express News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cybersecurity
- KENS5
- Google News: Texas Cyber Command
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The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
