Governor Greg Abbott announced he has sent a letter to the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) directing both agencies to use every available resource to safeguard the state’s critical infrastructure and to assist local governments and school districts in Texas with their needs. In a press release, the Governor’s Office notes this announcement is “in light of enhanced potential for Russian cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure and private businesses in the United States.”

The Governor outlined critical actions that must be taken by DIR and DPS:

  • Enhance Texas’ cyber security through the use of best industry practices and other key measures.
  • Ensure Texas can quickly detect a potential cyber intrusion through the use of software services, such as antivirus and endpoint detection and response technologies.
  • Prepare for an intrusion by utilizing a cyber incident response team.
  • Maximize the state’s resilience to a destructive cyber incident.
  • Track and report any attacks from Russian sources so the public is fully aware of their tactics.

The Governor’s letter to DIR and DPS can be found here.