Abbott Taps Cybersecurity Veteran TJ White to Lead State’s New Digital Defense Agency

Governor Greg Abbott said on Tuesday that former U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Timothy James “TJ” White, who led the U.S. Cyber Command, will lead Texas' newly constituted Cyber Command.

Abbott said White's selection comes as Texas faces “thousands of cyberattacks every single second,” many from adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. “Texas needs skilled cybersecurity professionals to lead our fight against these threats,” Abbott said. “Admiral White and the Texas Cyber Command will protect Texans from cyber threats.”

Abbott requested that the Texas Legislature establish the organization within the University of Texas System, located at UT San Antonio, earlier this year. The organization handles cybersecurity threats, events, forensics, and training. White will work until February 1, 2027.

Boerne resident White, owner of Austin cybersecurity firm One Network Connection LLC, has nearly forty years of military experience. He led the Fleet Cyber Command, 10th Fleet, Navy Space Command, and National Cyber Mission Force before retiring in 2020.

“Texas public entities present enticing opportunities for cyber threat actors employing ever more advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures,” warns the State of Texas Cybersecurity Strategic Plan 2024–2029. A recent Department of Information Resources assessment notes that the state's growing digital dependence makes it more susceptible to vulnerabilities.

State agencies want billions for cybersecurity. Abbott said the Texas Cyber Command was a response to that surge.

The bill's sponsors approved the command's appointment. Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and Sen. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, stressed that Texas needs a dedicated institution to fight hackers.

The Department of Information Resources managed state cybersecurity, website administration, IT procurement, and data stewardship until September 1. Recent directives increasingly focus on protecting critical infrastructure and preparing public entities to confront cyber incidents.

White said state network resiliency will be his first concern. “The dangers are real, ongoing, and changing,” he said. "Texas has protected our residents and organizations."

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