August 2-3

JW Marriott

Downtown Austin

Ernesto Ballesteros serves as the Cybersecurity State Coordinator (CSC) for the State of Texas at the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in Region 6.   As the CSC for the State of Texas, his role is to build strategic public and private sector relationships in Texas to facilitate the development and maintenance of secure and resilient infrastructure, pursuant to 6 United States Code, Section 665(c) (2021).

Previously, Ballesteros served the State of Texas, as the State Cybersecurity Coordinator and Chair of the Texas Cybersecurity Council, at the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR).   As the State Cybersecurity Coordinator, his primary charge was to oversee cybersecurity matters for the State of Texas and lead the Texas Cybersecuity Council to collaborate on matters of cybersecurity concerning Texas, pursuant to Texas Government Code, Sections 2054.511 and 512.   During his tenure, he contributed to the development and implementation of statewide initiatives, such as the Texas Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (TxISAO), the Statewide Cybersecurity Awareness Training Program, and more.

Prior to serving in state government, Ballesteros’ career spanned several industries, including academia, financial services, private consulting, and public utilities.

Currently, Ballesteros is an Adjunct Professor of Law at St. Mary’s University School of Law (San Antonio, Texas), where he teaches cybersecurity, information systems, and law.

Academically, Ballesteros holds several degrees and professional certifications pertaining to cybersecurity, law, and information systems.  Ballesteros holds a Bachelor (BS) and Master of Science (MS) in Computer Information Systems and Security (CISS) from Our Lady of the Lake University; an NSA/DHS-designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE). Additionally, Ballesteros completed his legal education at St. Mary’s University School of Law, where he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD), specializing in cyber and privacy law.

Lastly, Ballesteros is an (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and CompTIA Security+ certified professional.