Texas Cyber Command signed into law: What this means for Texans

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 150, which creates a state-based cybersecurity department, into law.

The Texas Cyber Command was passed during the 89th regular legislative session and is expected to help protect Texans against cyber threats.

“Our state is under constant attack by cyber criminals, attacks that occur thousands of times every single second of every single day,” Abbott said. “I’m signing a law that creates the Texas Cyber Command. Its ultimate mission is to prevent and protect against cyber breaches. Working together with the Texas Cyber Command, Texas will be on the path to be a national leader in cybersecurity.”

According to the governor’s office, the Texas Cyber Command will:

• Launch a cyber threat intelligence center to identify and repair weaknesses and to educate users on preventing cyber breaches
• Coordinate with governments on responses to cyberattacks
• Collaborate with local, state and federal partners to establish “the gold standard for cybersecurity”

The department, which is headquartered in San Antonio, was funded through a $135 million investment, according to the governor’s office.