Relating to requiring the Department of Information Resources to conduct a study concerning the cybersecurity of small businesses.
Impact
The study required by HB1172 is expected to lead to significant implications for state-level initiatives aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity posture of small enterprises. By potentially establishing a grant program, the bill would facilitate much-needed financial aid for small businesses to improve their cybersecurity infrastructure and participate in essential training programs. This could be critical in a landscape where cyber threats are continuously evolving, especially for smaller organizations that may lack the resources to combat such risks effectively.
Summary
HB1172 mandates the Department of Information Resources to conduct a comprehensive study on cybersecurity for small businesses. The aim is to identify how these entities can improve their defenses against cybersecurity threats, particularly those impacting their supply chain. The bill emphasizes the necessity of understanding current best practices, challenges small businesses face regarding cybersecurity products, and ultimately aims to propose a structured approach for small businesses to mitigate and recover from cyber incidents.
Contention
While the bill is designed to provide better protective measures for small businesses, there may be concerns regarding the effectiveness and reach of a grant program, as well as the capacity of small businesses to adapt to recommended practices identified in the study. Critics might raise issues regarding the allocation of state resources, questioning whether support should be centralized or if additional frameworks should be established to ensure proper implementation of recommendations found in the study. Furthermore, transparency in how the program will function and ensure compliance among recipients of grants may also be a point of contention.
Relating to public school cybersecurity controls and requirements and technical assistance and cybersecurity risk assessments for public schools provided by the Department of Information Resources.
Relating to public school cybersecurity controls, student data privacy protection, and requirements and technical assistance and cybersecurity risk assessments for public schools provided by the Department of Information Resources.
Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to physical security and cybersecurity practices for certain utilities that provide electricity service and an independent organization certified to manage a power region.