Texas Cyber Command and 2025's Biggest Cyber Threats

Texas Cyber Command: Expanding Offensive and Defensive Capabilities

Governor Abbott’s Texas Cyber Command (TCC) is a statewide cybersecurity operations center that protects Texas businesses, government agencies, and critical infrastructure from sophisticated cyberattacks. Modeled after federal cyber defense programs, TCC integrates real-time threat monitoring, intelligence-sharing, and advanced countermeasures to neutralize threats before they escalate.

Cyber threats against Texas are evolving fast, targeting everything from energy infrastructure and financial institutions to healthcare systems and public services. Texas Cyber Command is built to counter these attacks before they cause widespread damage. By combining real-time threat intelligence, AI-driven analytics, and coordinated incident response, TCC strengthens the state’s ability to defend against ransomware gangs, state-sponsored hackers, and insider threats. The command center collaborates with government agencies, private sector leaders, and cybersecurity firms to ensure that Texas businesses and organizations stay ahead of cyber adversaries.

Securing critical infrastructure is one of Texas Cyber Command’s top priorities. With industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) constantly under attack, TCC deploys specialized cybersecurity teams to assess risks, secure SCADA networks, and implement zero-trust security models. The 2024 attempted cyber intrusion on a Texas pipeline operator exposed dangerous gaps in OT security, reinforcing the need for proactive cyber defenses. TCC’s mission is to eliminate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Beyond infrastructure, Texas Cyber Command is also focused on protecting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), educational institutions, and healthcare organizations—sectors that have become prime targets for ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches. These organizations often lack the resources to defend themselves against sophisticated cyber threats, making them easy prey for cybercriminals. TCC works alongside cybersecurity firms like Texas Cyber Solutions to help organizations navigate emerging threats, implement strong security frameworks, and respond swiftly to cyber incidents.

The cyber threat landscape is relentless and constantly evolving. Texas Cyber Command provides the expertise, technology, and rapid-response capabilities Texas needs to stay ahead. Whether defending oil refineries, school districts, or major hospital systems, TCC is at the front line of Texas’s cyber defense strategy, ensuring the state remains resilient, secure, and prepared for what’s next.

Mission and Structure of Texas Cyber Command

TCC operates under the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) and collaborates closely with the Texas Military Department, law enforcement, and private-sector partners. Its mission includes:

• Real-time cyber threat intelligence gathering and response, leveraging AI-driven analytics and predictive modeling.
• Investigating and mitigating cyber incidents affecting Texas’ infrastructure and public services.
• Strengthening cooperation between government agencies and private industry to facilitate cyber intelligence sharing and coordinated response.
• Bolstering Texas’ cybersecurity resilience through rigorous training, penetration testing, and large-scale cyber drills.

Why Texas Needed a Dedicated Cybersecurity Command

Texas has experienced a sharp rise in cyberattacks over the past five years. The 2019 ransomware attack on 23 Texas municipalities exposed vulnerabilities in local government networks. Additionally, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in 2021 underscored the devastating economic and public safety risks of cyber disruptions.

With energy grids, oil pipelines, and major commercial hubs in Houston and Dallas at risk, the state launched Texas Cyber Command to establish a robust cybersecurity framework capable of detecting, deterring, and defending against increasingly complex cyber threats.

Key Capabilities of Texas Cyber Command

• Threat Intelligence Sharing: TCC integrates intelligence from federal agencies, including the FBI, DHS, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), to provide Texas businesses with early warnings on emerging threats.
• Cyber Incident Rapid Response Teams: Specialized teams with Texas Cyber Command assist government entities, utilities, and businesses in containing cyberattacks and quickly restoring operations.
• Advanced Threat Hunting & AI-Driven Analysis: Machine learning tools analyze network traffic patterns to detect and prevent cyber intrusions before they materialize.
• Statewide Cybersecurity Drills & Tabletop Exercises: Texas Cyber Command’s regular training programs ensure that Texas agencies are prepared for ransomware attacks, critical infrastructure sabotage, and other high-impact cyber incidents.
• Infrastructure Resilience Initiatives: TCC collaborates with energy, healthcare, and transportation sectors to implement robust cybersecurity protocols and safeguard critical systems.

How Texas Businesses Can Engage with Texas Cyber Command

Texas businesses, especially those in high-risk sectors like energy, finance, and healthcare, can leverage TCC resources to bolster their cybersecurity postures. Available services include:

• Cybersecurity Training & Workshops: Specialized security training for businesses covering risk mitigation, cloud security, and ransomware defense.
• Incident Response Guidance: Businesses can consult with TCC experts for strategies for containing and recovering from cyberattacks.
• Cyber Threat Intelligence Alerts: Organizations can subscribe to real-time updates on emerging attack trends and vulnerabilities.

Recommended Actions for Businesses

• Enroll in Texas Cyber Command’s Cyber Resilience Programs to gain insights from state and federal cybersecurity professionals.
• Adopt the Texas DIR Cybersecurity Standards to align security practices with the latest compliance requirements.
• Develop and Test Incident Response Plans to ensure rapid response and recovery during an attack.
• Partner with cutting-edge firms like Texas Cyber Solutions to ensure your resilience to cyber threats

Advanced Cyber Threats Targeting Texas’s Critical Infrastructure

State-sponsored hacking groups and cybercriminals are ramping up attacks on our energy sector, refineries, and industrial control systems (ICS). The 2024 attempted cyber intrusion on a major Texas pipeline operator exposed alarming vulnerabilities in SCADA networks and operational technology (OT) systems, underscoring the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures.

The Texas energy sector has been hit by multiple high-profile cyberattacks, reinforcing the need for Texas Cyber Command’s advanced defense strategies. In August 2024, Halliburton, a major oilfield services firm, suffered a cyberattack that disrupted operations at its North Houston campus and impacted global connectivity networks. The attack forced an emergency incident response effort, with cybersecurity experts working to contain the damage and restore functionality.

Just two months later, in October 2024, Newpark Resources, another Texas-based energy company, was crippled by a ransomware attack that shut down critical operations. These incidents highlight the increasing sophistication of cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure, exposing weaknesses in SCADA networks, OT systems, and supply chain security. With attackers refining their tactics, the risks to Texas’s energy grid continue to escalate.

These rising attacks are exactly why Texas Cyber Command was created. By deploying real-time threat intelligence, advanced cyber defenses, and rapid-response teams, TCC works to prevent future disruptions and harden Texas’s energy sector against evolving cyber threats. The stakes are too high for reactive security measures. Texas Cyber Command is leading the charge with proactive, mission-critical cybersecurity strategies to ensure Texas remains secure, resilient, and prepared for what’s next.

Key Risks to Houston’s Critical Infrastructure:

• Pipeline disruptions that could cripple energy supply chains, leading to economic consequences for the state.
• Industrial espionage targeting proprietary data in oil and gas operations, with foreign actors attempting to steal trade secrets.
• Supply chain attacks impact manufacturing and raw material distribution, leading to delays and financial losses.
• Cyber-physical attacks that manipulate industrial processes pose risks to worker safety and equipment integrity.

Steps for Businesses to Strengthen Cyber Defenses:

• Segment IT and OT Networks to prevent lateral movement of attackers within infrastructure environments.
• Enhance Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities to monitor and detect anomalies within ICS environments.
• Adopt AI-Powered Predictive Security Solutions to identify vulnerabilities and prevent exploitation proactively.
• Implement Regular Security Patching and System Hardening to reduce the attack surface and mitigate known vulnerabilities.

Learn more about Network Security Solutions Here

Ransomware and Cyberattacks Escalating in Texas’ Healthcare Sector

Hospitals and healthcare organizations in Texas are prime targets for ransomware gangs like BlackCat and Royal Ransomware. Incidents like the 2024 Houston hospital cyberattack delayed patient care and temporarily shut down emergency operations.

In response to these escalating threats, the Texas Cyber Command has been established to bolster the state’s cybersecurity posture, particularly within critical sectors like healthcare. By collaborating with state universities, Regional Security Operation Centers (RSOCS), and various government agencies, Texas Cyber Command aims to enhance the cybersecurity defenses of healthcare institutions.

Leveraging the expertise of institutions such as the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas Cyber Command is deploying advanced capabilities to secure the state’s infrastructure, including healthcare systems. This initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening the cybersecurity defenses of Texas’ healthcare sector, ensuring that hospitals and healthcare organizations are better equipped to prevent and respond to cyber threats.

Major Cybersecurity Concerns for Healthcare in Texas:

• Ransomware attacks encrypt hospital records and disrupt critical care, forcing hospitals to pay hefty ransoms or face prolonged downtime.
• Medical IoT vulnerabilities allow hackers to compromise connected devices, potentially altering medical readings or shutting down life-saving equipment.
• Patient data breaches lead to identity theft, insurance fraud, and legal repercussions for affected healthcare institutions.
• Phishing and Credential Theft targeting hospital staff to gain access to electronic health record (EHR) systems and sensitive patient information.

Protecting Texas Healthcare Institutions:

• Deploy Advanced Email Filtering and Anti-Phishing Protections to block malicious emails before they reach employees.
• Enforce Strong Access Controls and Privileged Access Management (PAM) to limit exposure to critical systems.
• Conduct Regular Cybersecurity Training for Medical Personnel to raise awareness of the latest attack tactics used by cybercriminals.
• Invest in Secure Cloud Backup Solutions to ensure data recovery without paying ransom demands in case of an attack.

Texas Schools & Universities Face Growing Cyber Risks

Educational institutions across Texas are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in academic networks. The 2024 cyberattack on Texas A&M University compromised over 100,000 student records, underscoring the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the education sector.

Academic networks are prime targets for ransomware, phishing, and data theft, and universities, colleges, and K-12 districts cannot afford to be caught off guard. Texas Cyber Command delivers the firepower schools need to fight back in partnership with firms like ours. The stakes are high, and financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damage can take years to repair.

Cyberattacks are not a matter of if but when, and schools need a proactive defense strategy that keeps them ahead of evolving threats. Texas Cyber Command provides firms like Texas Cyber Solutions with the intelligence that allows us to best protect educational institutions with the expertise, technology, and support necessary to secure their networks, protect student data, and ensure uninterrupted learning.

Top Threats To Educational Institutions:

• Ransomware Attacks: Cybercriminals deploy ransomware to encrypt critical academic data, disrupting educational activities and potentially leading to significant financial losses.
• Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to sensitive student and faculty information can result in identity theft and privacy violations.
• Phishing Scams: Deceptive emails targeting students and staff aim to steal login credentials and other personal information.

How Educational Institutions Can Respond:

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Requiring MFA to access university systems adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access.
• Regular Security Audits: Conduct comprehensive assessments of IT infrastructure to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
• Cybersecurity Training Programs: Educate students and staff on recognizing phishing attempts and following best practices for data security.

At Texas Cyber Solutions, we specialize in fortifying educational institutions against cyber threats. Our team offers tailored security solutions, including network monitoring, incident response planning, and cybersecurity awareness training, ensuring that Texas schools and universities remain secure environments for learning.

Texas SMBs Must Defend Against Sophisticated Cyber Fraud & Phishing

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Texas by exploiting gaps in their digital defenses. With limited cybersecurity resources, SMBs are prime targets for ransomware, phishing scams, and business email compromise (BEC) attacks. A Houston-based real estate firm recently fell victim to a sophisticated phishing scam, resulting in a significant financial loss. This is just one example of how cyber threats are escalating and putting Texas businesses at risk.

The numbers tell the story. In 2020, over 38,000 Texans reported cybercrime incidents, leading to approximately $313.6 million in financial losses, a 42% increase from the previous year. As attackers evolve, SMBs must strengthen their cybersecurity posture before they become the next target.

That’s why developments like Texas Cyber Command matter. Designed to address the growing cyber threats facing Texas businesses, it represents a major step forward in cyber defense capabilities. Focusing on real-time threat detection, 24/7 monitoring, zero-trust architectures, and rapid incident response, it aims to provide SMBs with the kind of protection previously available only to large enterprises.

At Texas Cyber Solutions, we stay ahead of these developments to help businesses understand how they can leverage emerging security initiatives, best practices, and cutting-edge technology to secure their networks, protect financial transactions, and defend against evolving threats. Our expertise ensures that SMBs can implement cost-effective, high-impact security measures tailored to their unique risks.

Cyberattacks are not a matter of if, but when. SMBs that fail to act now risk severe financial and reputational damage. With the assistance of Texas Cyber Solutions and our utilization of the threat intelligence provided by Texas Cyber Command, businesses can fortify their defenses, stay ahead of cybercriminals, and make informed decisions about their cybersecurity strategy before it is too late.

Cyber Threats To SMBs:

• Advanced Phishing Techniques: Cybercriminals employ more convincing and targeted phishing emails every day, making them harder to detect.
• Business Email Compromise (BEC): Attackers impersonate company executives to authorize fraudulent transactions.
• Ransomware as a Service (RaaS): The availability of RaaS has lowered the barrier for cybercriminals to launch ransomware attacks against SMBs.

How SMBs Can Strengthen Cyber Defenses:

• Employee Training: Regularly educate employees on how to recognize phishing attempts and the importance of verifying unusual requests.
• Email Security Solutions: Implement advanced email filtering systems to detect and block malicious emails before they reach employees’ inboxes.
• Incident Response Planning: Develop and regularly update an incident response plan to ensure quick and effective action during a cyberattack.

Texas Cyber Solutions is dedicated to empowering SMBs with robust cybersecurity strategies. Our services include comprehensive risk assessments, implementation of cutting-edge security technologies, and ongoing support to protect your business from evolving cyber threats.

Learn more about Strategic Cybersecurity Leadership here

Final Thoughts: Texas Cybersecurity Requires More Than Just State Action

Texas is making bold moves to fortify its cybersecurity defenses with initiatives like the Texas Cyber Command, but businesses cannot afford to rely solely on state-led efforts. The threat landscape is shifting rapidly, with critical infrastructure, healthcare, education, and small companies increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. Ransomware, AI-driven phishing, supply chain attacks, and nation-state cyber threats are evolving, placing every organization at risk if proactive defenses are not in place.

Staying ahead in this escalating cyber war requires more than awareness. It demands action. Organizations must take ownership of their security posture, investing in threat detection, rapid incident response, employee training, and system hardening to withstand today’s sophisticated attacks.

Texas Cyber Solutions provides penetration testing, red teaming, risk assessments, and managed security services to ensure Houston businesses and Texas industries remain resilient against emerging threats. Our team understands the high-risk nature of energy, healthcare, finance, and education sectors and delivers customized security strategies to protect mission-critical operations.

Cyber threats are advancing. Are you? Contact Texas Cyber Solutions today to schedule a security consultation and take control of your organization’s defenses before the next attack strikes.

Get Expert Assistance Implementing TCC Cyber Defense Recommendations