The certificate recognizes an organization’s commitment to cybersecurity best practices and its role of being a good cyber citizen organization within the Texas cyber community. However, it does not validate an organization’s overall cybersecurity program or ability to withstand an attempted cyber breach, hack or attack.
With that said, below are five criteria entities must meet to qualify for the state’s Cyberstar Certificate program:
- Adopt a cybersecurity risk management program
- Provide appropriate training and information for employees
- Maintain consistency with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards for cybersecurity
- Incorporate public service announcements to encourage cybersecurity awareness
- Coordinate with local and state governmental entities
If selected, an entity must meet an additional 12 subcriteria to be awarded a Texas Cyberstar Certificate.
Once certified, an entity can include the certificate in advertisements and other public communications.
Current certificate recipients include Denton County; Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi; Trinity River Authority of Texas IT/OT Security Program; Texas A&M University, San Antonio; eCourtDate Inc.; Corpus Christi Independent School District (ISD); Port of Corpus Christi Authority; San Jacinto College; Round Rock ISD; and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
