Local Leaders Advocate for Cybersecurity Funding in Washington D.C.

Local Leaders Advocate for Cybersecurity Funding in Washington D.C.

Residents, businesses, and government entities in Bryan-College Station have been facing a growing threat of hacks and scams, resulting in billions of dollars lost and compromised information. To address this pressing issue, the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce organized a trip to Washington D.C. with local leaders, including Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez.

Mayor Gutierrez emphasized the importance of cybersecurity, stating that everyone needs to be vigilant and work together to combat cyber crimes. Scott Smith, the City of Bryan’s Chief Information Security Officer, highlighted the daily efforts to protect resident information and collaborate with local experts to prevent cyber attacks.

The group in Washington focused on advocating for expanded access to partnerships with organizations like Texas A&M, Brazos County, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security. These partnerships are crucial in the fight against cyber threats, but Smith stressed the need for resources to be widely available, especially for smaller entities with limited staffing.

The chamber group also discussed other local issues such as education and healthcare with national leaders, emphasizing the importance of staying connected with representatives. The trip was seen as a valuable opportunity to keep the needs of Bryan, College Station, and Brazos County at the forefront.

The group is set to return to town on Thursday, with hopes of securing support for cybersecurity funding and continued collaboration in the fight against cyber threats.