Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34)announced a $3,314,851 award to Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER). The award will fund the research and development of authentication mechanisms to reduce cyber-physical security risks in our country’s electrical, oil, and gas delivery systems.
“DOE is committed to strengthening the nation’s energy sector, including protecting it against current or emerging cyber threats that would threaten Americans’ access to secure, reliable energy,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “With today’s announcement, the Biden-Harris Administration is helping help teams across the country develop innovative next-generation cybersecurity solutions for tackling modern day challenges.”
“Last year’s Chinese-backed attempt on the Texas power grid underscores the importance of developing innovative methods to protect our energy infrastructure from cyberattacks, “said Congressman Gonzalez. I’m proud to see Texas A&M Kingsville’s best and brightest at the forefront of this endeavor ensuring that our country’s hospitals, police stations, and other crucial infrastructure keep the lights on.”
“The risks of cyber threats targeting American’s access to secure and reliable energy have never been higher. Texas A&M University-Kingsville is proud to be at the forefront of cyber security innovation by developing state-of-the-art technologies, which can detect and deter cyber and physical attacks targeting energy resources, ultimately helping protect Americans from cyber threats and improving cyber security in our energy sector,” said Dr. Robert H. Vela Jr., President of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
