Governor Greg Abbott released a letter on March 9 directing Texas state agencies and state-owned medical facilities to address potential cybersecurity concerns related to medical equipment manufactured in the People’s Republic of China. The directive instructs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Department of State Health Services, and public university systems to review their cybersecurity and procurement policies to protect Texans from possible data breaches involving personal medical information.
The issue is significant because it involves safeguarding sensitive health data and critical infrastructure. Recent federal notices have highlighted vulnerabilities in Chinese-manufactured patient monitoring devices, raising concerns about unauthorized access to protected health information.
“Maintaining Texans’ physical security and protecting their personal privacy, especially personal medical data, is of paramount importance,” said Governor Abbott. “I will not let Communist China spy on Texans. State-owned medical facilities must ensure there are safeguards in place to protect Texans’ private medical data and our critical medical infrastructure.”
In January, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Food and Drug Administration issued warnings about security flaws in certain Chinese-made smart medical devices that could allow remote access by unauthorized actors. These warnings align with expert concerns about the spread of such devices across healthcare systems.
Abbott has previously taken steps aimed at countering threats from foreign adversaries. He directed technologies be added to the state’s Prohibited Technology list, signed legislation banning hostile foreign entities from purchasing land in Texas, created the Texas Cyber Command as a large-scale state-based cybersecurity department, and issued executive orders GA-47, GA-48, and GA-49 targeting risks associated with Communist China.
According to the official website, Abbott has led efforts focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, individual liberties protection, parental empowerment in schooling, and southern border security since his election in 2014. The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott maintains its primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building and delivers services statewide across Texas according to its official website. TIME recognized Abbott among its 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to the official website.
