economy

Cybersecurity

As hostile actors target our national security, economy and infrastructure through cyberthreats, Texas colleges and universities have risen to the challenge to protect our nation. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is highlighting the impact these Texas institutions of higher education are making in the fight against cybercriminals as he continues his Good for Texas Tour series.

During his Good for Texas Tour: Cybersecurity Edition, Hegar is sharing the results of a new Comptroller’s office study detailing the threat cybercrimes pose to national, corporate and personal security as he tours a handful of Texas colleges and universities designated as Centers for Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency. The Comptroller’s office study also explores how Texas colleges and universities are helping train a strong cybersecurity workforce to combat these ever-growing threats.

“Texas ranked third among states in the number of cybercrime victims and second in the number of financial losses in 2017,” Hegar said. “Unfortunately, cybercriminals see Texas’ large, ever-growing population as a large and ever-growing pool of potential targets. Thankfully, our state’s colleges and universities have developed nationally recognized programs that produce the highly skilled professionals needed to address these challenges while creating high-wage, high-demand jobs for Texans.”

The cybersecurity industry employs about 130,000 Texans and contributes at least $35.5 billion to Texas’ gross state product. The average annual salary for an employee in this industry is $110,000, and one job in cybersecurity generates about $224,000 in economic input and $124,000 in Texas wages.

Statewide Overview
Statewide Cybersecurity Snapshot | TexasSinopsis en Español

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the material on this page, please contact the Comptroller’s Data Analysis and Transparency Division.