Texas Bolsters Cybersecurity: An Update on the Cyber Command Center and Regional Security Operation Centers
Don’t Mess with Texas Data: State Cyber Command to Business Protection
Texas Bolsters Cybersecurity: An Update on the Cyber Command Center and Regional Security Operation Centers
The Rising Cyber Threat Landscape in Texas
In his State of the State address on February 2, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared the creation of the Texas Cyber Command as an emergency item, highlighting the increasing cybersecurity threats facing the state. “We cannot let any more time go by without strongly, robustly addressing this problem,” Abbott stated, pointing to recent attacks against Texas cities, hospitals, and businesses.
The urgency is clear: As the eighth largest economy in the world, Texas represents a target-rich environment for malicious actors. With its critical infrastructure including oil and gas production facilities, military installations, busy ports, medical complexes, and transportation systems, Texas faces cybersecurity threats from nation-states like China, Russia, and Iran, as well as criminal organizations.
Texas Cyber Command: A Strategic Initiative
The Texas Cyber Command, to be headquartered in San Antonio, will leverage the expertise and resources of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and surrounding partners. San Antonio has been described as home to “one of the world’s largest concentrations of cybersecurity experts,” making it an ideal location for this initiative.
Core Objectives of the Texas Cyber Command:
- Threat Detection and Prevention: Anticipate and detect potential cyber threats across the state.
- Cybersecurity Awareness and Training: Promote awareness and develop a skilled workforce through professional training programs.
- Preparation and Coordination: Conduct exercises, pre-attack coordination, and planning with critical infrastructure partners.
- Response and Defense: Defend against cyberattacks and respond effectively when they occur.
- Post-Attack Support: Provide expertise, forensic analysis, and support for investigations and recovery efforts.
The command will collaborate with state universities, Regional Security Operation Centers, and various government agencies at all levels to strengthen Texas’s overall cybersecurity posture.
Regional Security Operation Centers (RSOCs): Local Protection
While the Texas Cyber Command will serve as a statewide strategic hub, the Regional Security Operation Centers (RSOCs) provide tactical, “boots on the ground” cybersecurity support at the local level.
Evolution of RSOCs in Texas
The RSOC concept emerged after the August 2019 ransomware incident that simultaneously impacted 23 local government entities across Texas. This unprecedented event prompted Governor Abbott to declare a state disaster—a first for a cybersecurity incident.
In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 475, creating RSOCs to provide support to local governments needing assistance with major cybersecurity incidents. The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) launched the first RSOC in 2022 in partnership with Angelo State University, followed by centers at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
How RSOCs Operate
RSOCs function as cybersecurity command centers that monitor, collect, and analyze data to mitigate cybersecurity incidents for affiliated entities in defined regions. They proactively monitor servers, systems, infrastructure, and endpoints for suspicious activity and provide immediate response when threats are detected.
Services provided by RSOCs include:
- Real-time security monitoring
- Security alerts and guidance
- Immediate incident response
- Policy and planning assistance
- Cyber education and awareness training
RSOCs serve eligible entities including cities, counties, independent school districts, public junior colleges, special districts, state agencies, and certain utilities—all at no cost to these organizations.
The Dual Benefit of University-Hosted RSOCs
By hosting RSOCs at public higher education institutions, Texas achieves two important goals:
- Enhanced Cybersecurity: RSOCs provide critical security services to local entities that often lack the resources to adequately protect themselves.
- Workforce Development: University students gain valuable hands-on experience by working as analysts at the RSOCs, creating a pipeline of cybersecurity talent for Texas.
Student analysts at the RSOCs have completed thousands of hours of cybersecurity training, with many finding full-time employment in the field after graduation. This approach addresses the nationwide shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals while improving Texas’s current security posture.
A Regional Approach to Cybersecurity
Texas’s regional approach to cybersecurity through RSOCs offers significant advantages:
- Trust-Building: RSOCs can more easily establish relationships with geographically proximate entities, facilitating trust during cybersecurity incidents.
- Rapid Response: For incidents requiring on-site support, RSOC personnel can quickly provide assistance within their region.
- Supporting Underserved Areas: RSOCs provide high-level cybersecurity resources to smaller entities with limited budgets and expertise.
The vision is to eventually secure Texas with an RSOC in each of the twelve economic regions established by the Texas Comptroller, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the state.
The Continuing Threat: Why Cybersecurity Vigilance Matters
The establishment of the Texas Cyber Command and expansion of RSOCs highlight the persistent and growing cyber threats facing not just government entities but all organizations across Texas. Recent incidents demonstrate the real-world impact of these threats:
- In January 2025, Matagorda County municipal government published a disaster statement after a cyber virus infiltrated their network.
- In late 2024, a ransomware attack targeted the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, compromising the personal and medical information of 1.4 million individuals.
- According to the Texas Department of Information Resources, approximately 90% of ransomware incidents reported in Texas targeted local government entities including counties, cities, and school districts.
These statistics underscore that cybersecurity isn’t just a government concern—it’s a critical issue for every business and organization operating in Texas.
How CinchOps Can Assist
As Texas strengthens its cybersecurity infrastructure through the Cyber Command and RSOCs, private businesses must also remain vigilant. CinchOps offers tailored cybersecurity solutions that complement these state initiatives, providing businesses with:
- Comprehensive security assessments to identify vulnerabilities
- 24/7 monitoring and threat detection services
- Incident response planning and support
- Employee cybersecurity awareness training
- Compliance assistance for regulatory requirements
By partnering with CinchOps, Texas businesses can enhance their security posture and contribute to the state’s overall cyber resilience. Just as the RSOCs provide critical support to government entities, CinchOps delivers enterprise-grade security solutions scaled for businesses of all sizes.
In an environment where cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and impact, collaboration between government initiatives like the Texas Cyber Command and private security partners like CinchOps creates a stronger, more resilient defense for all Texans.
Discover more about our enterprise-grade and business protecting cybersecurity services on our Cybersecurity page. Contact CinchOps today to learn how we can help protect your business against the cyber threats targeting Texas organizations.
