Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of Project Watershed 250, a joint federal and state initiative to provide cybersecurity resources to water and wastewater utilities at no cost.
The program partners federal cybersecurity expertise with the capabilities of the Texas Cyber Command to help defend water systems against cyber attacks. "Project Watershed 250 will connect water utility providers with cyber defense resources at no cost by leveraging the experience of private sector businesses with the expertise of the Texas Cyber Command," Governor Abbott said.
According to the announcement, many rural water providers lack resources to defend themselves against cyber threats. The Texas Cyber Command was established through state legislation and is described as the largest state-based cybersecurity department in America.
White House National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross joined Governor Abbott at a roundtable discussion in San Antonio to launch the initiative. The project involves the Office of the National Cyber Director and private sector partners.