Multifactor, Endpoint Protection Headline Texas Cyber Strategy

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Nestled consistently in every government chief information officer's agenda is the constant threat of cyber attack. While resources and specific strategies vary, many at this week's NASCIO Midyear Conference said they were somewhere on the path to zero trust.

GovTech talked to Texas CIO Amanda Crawford about one major area of focus for the Lone Star State: a three-year-long implementation of multifactor authorization across the enterprise. Also in progress is a statewide deployment of endpoint protection software.

And Crawford is optimistic that additional funding is on the horizon given the Legislature's support of a strong cybersecurity posture.

"We know that you always need more tools," she said. "You never really can do enough in this space."



Another idea states are starting to embrace is engaging new cybersecurity partners to supplement their defenses. Here, Crawford details a regional Security Operations Center (SOC) pilot program that recently debuted with Angelo State University in West Texas. Not only does this better equip the state relative to cybersecurity in West Texas, but college students are also participating in the effort, a cohort Crawford calls "the cyber warriors of the future."

The state hopes to enter similar regional SOC partnerships with additional universities across the state.