New Regional Security Operations Center

Boosting Cybersecurity Efforts

By Amanda Alaniz

In a groundbreaking collaboration, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) unveiled the newest Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC), marking a significant advancement in cybersecurity support for local governments and other eligible entities.

The cybersecurity support centers are the first of its kind in the nation, offering security monitoring, alerts, guidance, training and protection to help clients prevent and quickly recover from cybersecurity incidents.

DIR launched the first RSOC in 2022 in partnership with Angelo State University, and in 2023, selected UTRGV and the University of Texas at Austin as future hosting sites.  

On Thursday, the UTRGV center officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the UTRGV Edinburg Campus, having been in operation since Fall 2024. Additionally, the UTRGV campus in Brownsville will house an RSOC.

Among the guests attending the event included Dr. Guy Bailey, UTRGV president; Amanda Crawford, executive director of Texas Department of Information Resources and chief information officer for the State of Texas; State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa; and Dr. Kevin Crouse, DBA, UTRGV chief information security officer.

As UTRGV prepares to celebrate 10 years of advancement and growth in the state next year, Bailey views the center as a key initiative to enhance educational opportunities for students and serve the community.

“The establishment of the Regional Security Operations Center at UTRGV is a crucial advancement for the region and our students,” he said. “Being selected as one of three centers in the state to address major cybersecurity incidents speaks volumes about the university and demonstrates the state’s trust in our students, staff and faculty to effectively operate the center and provide essential support.” 

RSOC will provide free security services to governmental agencies in the 28 county regions of Texas, ranging from local counties (Hidalgo, Cameron and Starr) to Val Verde County and Refugio County.

The Harlingen Public Waterworks and the City of Pharr have already teamed up with the university’s center, and more are expected to sign up to utilize the services.

The centers came to fruition after the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 475 in 2021, creating Regional Security Operations Centers to provide support to local government entities that need assistance with major cybersecurity incidents.

Amanda Crawford, executive director of Texas Department of Information Resources and Chief Information Officer for the State of Texas, said the newly established Regional Security Operations Center in Edinburg will improve the security of not only South Texas, but the entire state. 

“We are thrilled to launch this partnership with UTRGV, which will bolster the area’s cybersecurity resilience and provide invaluable hands-on experience and career opportunities for students,” Crawford said. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact the UTRGV RSOC will have on both regional security and student career outcomes.”

GAME CHANGER FOR UTRGV STUDENTS 

The Texas Department of Information Resources partnered with public higher education institutions to enhance cybersecurity for cities, counties and school districts while also boosting the number and quality of cybersecurity analysts.  

Priscilla Duran, RSOC client onboarding and outreach coordinator, hopes the community recognizes the value of the resources and that UTRGV students explore the career possibilities in the emerging field.

“I really want the students to see this is an emerging field that is becoming so diverse. Often when people think of information security, they don’t know about all the different divisions that root from that,” Duran said. “It’s a field that is growing and is essential in every organization and governmental agency.”

At UTRGV, students are already training to become analysts in both technical and business roles, gaining skills in cybersecurity.

Lizbeth Jaime, an analyst trainee, recently graduated from UTRGV with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Working at RSOC has helped Jaime build her skills with industry tools and technologies, enhancing her technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

“Having the RSOC available at the university creates valuable opportunities for students interested in the field of cybersecurity. As a recent graduate, I had the chance to work as a student employee, and I truly appreciated the early experience it provided,” she said. “It not only opened doors but also allowed me to develop highly valuable skills that have strengthened my foundation in the field.”

Fellow analyst trainee Briana Lopez Urteaga said as the RSOC continues to expand, she is looking forward to taking on new challenges and experiences and adapting to the emerging technologies.

“The most rewarding aspect of my role at the RSOC has been watching the center grow and flourish. Being part of this journey has been inspiring, and I take pride in contributing to an environment that is dedicated to excellence in cybersecurity,” said Urteaga, who recently graduated from UTRGV with a bachelor’s degree in information systems.

Both Jaime and Urteaga, who started as student workers with the UTRGV Information Security Office are now full-time employees at the center.  

Currently, there are 18 student workers, with plans to expand that number to 40-60. University students can now apply to work at the RSOC where they will acquire valuable hands-on experience through internships while opening the door to future employment.

Partnerships with Homeland Security and its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are in the works to introduce certified training around various topics related to cybersecurity.  

Dr. Kevin Crouse, DBA, UTRGV chief information security officer, stated the RSOC serves as a hub for training Texas’s cybersecurity workforce in response to the field’s rapid advancements.

“This partnership is about, not just providing services that we have, but building a coalition across South Texas that will better respond to the needs of securing the citizens of the state,” he said. “For students, we aim to help them gain the foundational skills they need to walk out with their degree directly into a job and be effective on day one.”

For more information about Regional Security Operations Center and the UTRGV Information Security Office, visit utrgv.edu/is/.

ABOUT DIR

The mission of the Texas Department of Information Resources is to serve Texas government by leading the state’s technology strategy, protecting state technology infrastructure, and offering innovative and cost-effective solutions for all levels of government. Visit DIR’s website at https://www.dir.texas.gov.