Introduction to Texas Cyber Command
AUSTIN — The former commander of the federal agency on the front line against high-stakes cyberattacks is coming home to Texas to lead the newest state agency with the same mission, Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday. The Texas Cyber Command, created by lawmakers earlier this year as a priority of the Republican governor, will be led by Timothy James “TJ” White — a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral and former head of the U.S. National Cyber Mission Force, known as U.S. Cyber Command — whose expertise in military cybersecurity and homeland security is critical in a time of growing threats, Abbott said.
Leader of the Texas Cyber Command
White, of Boerne, who now owns a cybersecurity company in Austin, is “the leader we need,” Abbott said. White’s term is set to expire Feb. 1, 2027. “Our state is under constant attack by cyber criminals, attacks that occur thousands of times every single second of every single day,” Abbott said in a news release. ”Texas needs strong cybersecurity experts to lead our fight against these attacks, often from hostile foreign adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran.”
Cybersecurity Threats in Texas
Texas ranks among the nation’s top targets for cyberattacks, and cybersecurity concerns fueled billions of dollars in requests from state agencies for the current cycle to help combat attacks. “Texas public entities are alluring targets for cyber threat actors who are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, techniques, and procedures; never-before-seen tools; and exploitative technologies,” reads the State of Texas Cybersecurity Strategic Plan 2024-2029, a recent report by the Texas Department of Information Resources, which oversaw cybersecurity until the command went into effect on Sept. 1.
Background of Admiral White
White is founder of OneNetworkConnection, LLC, in Austin. He served in the Navy from 1983 until his honorable discharge 2020. During that time he served as commander of the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, the U.S. 10th Fleet and the U.S. Navy Space Command, as well as commander of the U.S. Cyber Command. White’s expertise in military cybersecurity and homeland security makes him an ideal candidate to lead the Texas Cyber Command.
Mission of the Texas Cyber Command
“Admiral White and the Texas Cyber Command will serve as essential assets to prevent and protect against cyber breaches to keep Texans safe,” Abbott said in his statement. The Texas Cyber Command is administered through the University of Texas System and based at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The command’s primary duties include cybersecurity threat response, management, forensics and training.
Creation of the Texas Cyber Command
Southlake GOP Rep. Giovanni Capriglione carried the bill creating the agency along with Sen. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound. The state has been managing cybersecurity threats through the Department of Information Resources, which also oversees procurement and information gathering, agency websites and similar IT duties. However, with the creation of the Texas Cyber Command, the state is taking a more proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Texas Cyber Command is a new state agency that has been created to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks in Texas. Led by Admiral Timothy James “TJ” White, the agency will work to prevent and protect against cyber breaches and keep Texans safe. With White’s expertise in military cybersecurity and homeland security, the Texas Cyber Command is well-equipped to handle the complex and evolving threat of cyberattacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Texas Cyber Command?
A: The Texas Cyber Command is a new state agency that has been created to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks in Texas. The agency is led by Admiral Timothy James “TJ” White and is administered through the University of Texas System.
Q: Who is Admiral Timothy James “TJ” White?
A: Admiral Timothy James “TJ” White is a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral and former head of the U.S. National Cyber Mission Force, known as U.S. Cyber Command. He is the founder of OneNetworkConnection, LLC, in Austin and has expertise in military cybersecurity and homeland security.
Q: What are the primary duties of the Texas Cyber Command?
A: The primary duties of the Texas Cyber Command include cybersecurity threat response, management, forensics and training. The agency will work to prevent and protect against cyber breaches and keep Texans safe.
Q: Why was the Texas Cyber Command created?
A: The Texas Cyber Command was created to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks in Texas. The state has been managing cybersecurity threats through the Department of Information Resources, but the creation of the Texas Cyber Command allows for a more proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Q: How can I stay informed about cybersecurity threats in Texas?
A: You can stay informed about cybersecurity threats in Texas by signing up for news alerts and following reputable sources of information. It is also important to take steps to protect yourself and your organization from cyberattacks, such as using strong passwords and keeping software up to date.
