Texas Establishes Landmark Cyber Command to Fortify State Against Evolving Cyber Threats
SAN ANTONIO, TX – In a significant move to bolster its digital defenses, state officials and university leaders marked the official launch of the Texas Cyber Command (TXCC), the largest state-based cybersecurity agency in the United States. Headquartered at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), the TXCC was established by Governor Greg Abbott’s signing of House Bill 150 on June 2, 2025, and is poised to become the central hub for the state’s cybersecurity strategy, operations, and incident response.
This groundbreaking initiative represents a $135 million investment, signaling Texas’s commitment to proactively defending its critical infrastructure, government agencies, businesses, and citizens from increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. The creation of TXCC underscores a paradigm shift from reactive measures to a comprehensive strategy focused on prevention, resilience, and rapid response, addressing a growing need highlighted by recent high-profile cyber incidents across the state and nation.
Genesis of a Statewide Cyber Defense Initiative
The establishment of TXCC is the culmination of legislative efforts driven by Governor Abbott, who declared its creation an emergency item during his 2025 State of the State address. House Bill 150, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, consolidates and expands cybersecurity responsibilities previously dispersed among various state agencies, most notably transferring key functions from the Department of Information Resources (DIR). This centralization aims to eliminate “stovepiping”—a historical issue characterized by compartmentalization and inefficient data sharing—by creating a unified authority for cyber operations.
The escalating nature and sophistication of cyber threats, including those from nation-state actors like China, Russia, and Iran, as well as cybercriminal organizations, have made such a centralized command essential. Incidents such as the 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, ransomware attacks on Texas municipalities in 2025, and data breaches affecting state entities underscore the vulnerability of critical systems, including energy grids, water supplies, healthcare networks, and government services. TXCC is designed to counter these threats by enhancing anticipation, detection, and defense capabilities across Texas.
UTSA: A Strategic Hub for Cybersecurity Excellence
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has been selected as the headquarters for the Texas Cyber Command, a decision that leverages the institution’s renowned expertise and robust cybersecurity ecosystem. UTSA is one of only ten universities nationwide designated as a Center of Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security in all three critical areas: Cyber Defense, Cyber Operations, and Cybersecurity Research. The university has invested significantly in its cybersecurity infrastructure, including the National Security Collaboration Center and the School of Data Science, positioning San Antonio as a leading national hub for cyber talent and innovation.
UTSA’s Vice President for Research, Economic Development, and Knowledge Enterprise, Bernard Arulanandam, has previously highlighted the university’s role in developing the cybersecurity workforce and conducting cutting-edge research, making it uniquely qualified to host and advance the TXCC’s mission. The partnership with UTSA ensures TXCC can tap into a pipeline of skilled professionals and access state-of-the-art research facilities to refine its operational posture.
Leadership and Mission of the Texas Cyber Command
Governor Abbott appointed retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Timothy James “TJ” White as the Chief of the Texas Cyber Command. Admiral White brings over 37 years of distinguished military service, including extensive experience leading national cyber and intelligence operations, having previously commanded U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and the U.S. Cyber National Mission Force. His appointment, effective September 16, 2025, signifies a strong leadership mandate to drive the command’s strategic objectives.
Under Admiral White’s direction, TXCC’s core mission is to prevent and protect against cyber breaches that threaten the state’s digital infrastructure. Key functions will include:
* Cyber Threat Intelligence: Establishing a center to identify and repair vulnerabilities in state and local government systems, and to educate users on cyber hygiene.
* Incident Response: Coordinating swift and effective responses to cyberattacks across all levels of government, operating a 24/7 cybersecurity hotline.
* Digital Forensics: Conducting detailed investigations to support law enforcement and attribute cyber incidents.
* Standards and Training: Developing statewide cybersecurity standards, best practices, and mandatory training programs for government employees.
* Collaboration: Fostering partnerships with federal agencies (including the Sixteenth Air Force, FBI, NSA), local governments, institutions of higher education, and the private sector to create a unified cybersecurity front.
Implications for Texas’s Digital Future
The establishment of TXCC is more than just a new government agency; it’s a strategic investment in the state’s economic vitality and public safety. As the eighth-largest economy in the world, Texas is a prime target for sophisticated adversaries. By centralizing cyber defense and leveraging San Antonio’s rich concentration of cybersecurity expertise, the state aims to become a national leader in cyber response and resilience.
This initiative is expected to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, oil and gas, transportation, and healthcare, which have been repeatedly targeted. Furthermore, TXCC will play a vital role in developing the future cybersecurity workforce, addressing the significant global shortage of skilled professionals.
Local governments are now subject to new requirements under HB 150, including mandatory incident reporting within 48 hours and biennial security assessments. Private contractors and critical infrastructure firms may also see new cybersecurity stipulations in state procurement and contracts.
A New Era of Cybersecurity
The Texas Cyber Command’s launch signifies a robust commitment to adapting to the evolving threat landscape. With a dedicated leadership, strategic academic partnerships, and substantial state funding, TXCC is positioned to serve as a critical asset in safeguarding Texas’s digital infrastructure and ensuring the continued security and prosperity of its citizens. The state’s proactive stance, embodied by this comprehensive cybersecurity framework, sets a precedent for other states grappling with similar digital defense challenges, marking a significant advancement in America’s cybersecurity posture. This is not just news; it’s a top development in Texas’s ongoing efforts to secure its future in an increasingly interconnected world.
