All Texans need to remain vigilant and
practice good cyber hygiene. The following are strong cyber practices everyone should consider:
The following recommendations for IT professionals and providers can also reduce overall vulnerability:
For more information and cybersecurity tips please see the attached guides below:
Managed Security Services
Managed Security Services (MSS) is an offering within DIR's Shared Services program, providing a cost-effective solution to state, local, municipal, and higher-education cybersecurity needs. MSS is composed of three (3) Service Components, each containing multiple services to choose from to meet your IT security needs:
- Security Monitoring and Device Management
- Incident Response
- Risk and Compliance
Regarding incident management services, the MSS program provides 24x7 availability for incident response staff via an always available project bench of security subject matter experts, and MSS customers do not need to pay a retainer for incident management services, resulting in immediate cost-savings.
Completing an Inter-Agency or Inter-Local Contract now does not obligate you to purchase any services and can get an entity quicker response efforts if incident management services are needed.
Sign up for MSS Services
To begin the process of onboarding, please click on the Shared Technology Services Public Portal below. Email DIRSharedServices@dir.texas.gov. If you have additional questions.
MSS Resources:
Shared Technology Services Public Portal
Everything You Need to Know about MSS Webinar (PDF Slides Only)
Managed Security Services Information
Shared Technology Services Program
SPECTRIM and SPECTRIM for Locals
The Statewide Portal for Enterprise Cybersecurity Threat, Risk, and Incident Management (SPECTRIM) portal provides tools for managing and reporting security incidents, conducting risk assessments, storing and managing organizational policies, performing assessment and authorization (A&A) on information systems, templates for agency security planning activities, and more.
DIR has implemented a Governance, Risk, and Compliance software tool available to all state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and public junior colleges. Local government entities can purchase SPECTRIM for Locals through the MSS program at a steeply discounted rate.
SPECTRIM Webpage
Security Community Mail List
The Security List is a moderated distribution list that allows Texas government IT security personnel to share information and to collaborate with their peers via email.
Subscribe to Security list
Subscribers may use the list to:
- Receive updates on current security alerts including alerts from MS-ISAC and US-CERT
- Receive notifications and alerts from DIR specific to state and local government entities
- Receive DIR news and upcoming events such as training opportunities and webinars
- Discuss technical issues
- Request referrals or opinions about IT security products and services
External Resources
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Resources
Multi-State Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) Center for Internet Security
FTC Identity Theft Recovery Plan
DHS Privacy Impact Assessments
SANS Information Security Policy Templates