Texas NIST 800-53 for Technology, Software, and Cloud

 

NIST 800-53 is a cybersecurity framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. In Texas, organizations handling technology, software, and cloud services must comply with specific regional implementations of these standards.

 

Texas-Specific NIST 800-53 Requirements

 

• Texas organizations must comply with the Texas Administrative Code Chapter 202 (TAC 202), which incorporates NIST 800-53 controls but adds Texas-specific requirements
• The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) oversees cybersecurity standards implementation across the state
• Texas state agencies are required to implement more stringent controls than the federal baseline, especially for systems containing Texas residents' data
• Texas requires quarterly security assessments rather than the annual assessments suggested in standard NIST 800-53
• Texas mandates specific breach notification timelines (72 hours) that are shorter than federal guidelines

 

Technology Industry Requirements in Texas

 

• Technology companies in Texas must implement enhanced controls for intellectual property protection beyond standard NIST controls
• Texas requires technology firms to maintain separate control environments for data belonging to Texas government entities
• Technology vendors must demonstrate compliance with Texas Cybersecurity Framework (TCF), which aligns with but extends NIST 800-53
• Systems that connect to Texas state networks require additional boundary protection controls not specified in standard NIST
• The Texas Business and Commerce Code requires specific security measures for technology companies handling sensitive personal information

 

Software Industry Requirements in Texas

 

• Software developers in Texas must follow secure coding practices specific to Texas DIR guidelines
• Texas requires state-specific security testing for software used by critical infrastructure or government agencies
• Software vendors must implement enhanced monitoring controls when selling to Texas public sector clients
• The Texas Software Security Standard requires more frequent code reviews than standard NIST recommendations
• Software companies must maintain specific documentation demonstrating alignment with Texas-specific privacy laws beyond federal requirements

 

Cloud Service Requirements in Texas

 

• Cloud providers serving Texas clients must maintain data centers within US borders, with preference for Texas-based facilities
• Texas requires specific data sovereignty controls ensuring Texas government data remains under Texas legal jurisdiction
• Cloud services must implement enhanced disaster recovery capabilities that address Texas-specific natural disaster scenarios (hurricanes, floods)
• The Texas Cloud Security Standard requires more stringent access controls than standard NIST recommendations
• Cloud providers must support Texas-specific compliance reporting that aligns with DIR audit requirements

 

Key Security Controls for Texas Organizations

 

• Access Control (AC): Texas requires multi-factor authentication for all remote access to systems containing sensitive data of Texas residents
• Audit and Accountability (AU): Texas mandates retention of security logs for 12 months (longer than federal standards)
• Incident Response (IR): Organizations must have Texas-specific incident response plans that include notification to the Texas DIR for certain severity levels
• System and Communications Protection (SC): Enhanced encryption requirements for data transmission across public networks within Texas
• Contingency Planning (CP): Texas requires specific recovery time objectives for systems supporting critical state functions

 

Texas DIR Compliance Requirements

 

• Organizations must complete a Texas Security Control Assessment (TX-SCA) form annually
• A Texas Security Plan must be maintained and updated quarterly
• Organizations must participate in the Texas Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (ISAO) for threat intelligence
• Security incidents affecting Texas residents' data require notification to the Texas Attorney General's office
• Organizations must submit to Texas-specific security audits when handling substantial amounts of Texas resident data

 

Implementation Steps for Texas Organizations

 

• Step 1: Determine if your organization is subject to Texas-specific requirements based on data types handled and customer base
• Step 2: Register with the Texas DIR Vendor portal if providing services to Texas government entities
• Step 3: Conduct a gap assessment between current security controls and Texas-specific requirements
• Step 4: Implement enhanced controls for Texas compliance (particularly around data residency and breach notification)
• Step 5: Document compliance with both NIST 800-53 and Texas-specific requirements

 

Common Compliance Challenges in Texas

 

• Balancing federal and Texas-specific requirements which sometimes have conflicting priorities
• Implementing enhanced monitoring required by Texas standards without impacting system performance
• Managing data residency requirements while utilizing national cloud infrastructure
• Maintaining separate security documentation for Texas-specific compliance
• Keeping up with rapidly evolving Texas cybersecurity directives issued by the DIR

 

Resources for Texas Organizations

 

• The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) website provides Texas-specific security guidance
• The Texas Cybersecurity Framework documents Texas-specific control requirements
• The Texas Cybersecurity Council offers guidance on implementing controls in Texas environments
• Texas Security and Privacy Conference provides annual updates on changing requirements
• The Texas CISO Council shares best practices for Texas-specific compliance challenges