As part of Governor Greg Abbott’s seven priority items for the current Texas legislature session that runs until June 2, he unveiled plans for a Texas Cyber Command to help ward off cyber attacks from foreign nations. Abbott believes such infrastructure is important because of technology’s role in all facets of city planning. Increasing cyber defense would serve to protect Texas’ power, transportation and water systems.
The current cost and timeline of the proposal are unknown.
“Think about this, we’re investing so much in water, so much in the power grid. The water system [and] the power grid can go out because of a cyberattack,” Abbott said. “Because of the infrastructure already in place in San Antonio, which is why we’re located there, it means that part of the investment is already made. Because it’s associated with UT San Antonio, the University of Texas will be investing in that.”
The proposal was previously unknown to San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. However, upon hearing of Abbott’s suggestion, Nirenberg applauded the idea.
“This is an area where I can agree with the governor,” Nirenberg said. “San Antonio’s cyber community is strong and growing, and the proposal could make good use of UTSA’s cybersecurity expertise while highlighting our city’s status as an emerging center for cybersecurity and other cyber work.”
The command would be stationed in San Antonio with the growing cybersecurity expertise of UTSA. UTSA has been growing its reputation for cyber work. Forbes recently ranked UTSA No. 5 in the nation for online cybersecurity degrees.
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