Fort Clark MUD Strengthens Cybersecurity Through Partnership with UTRGV

At its February 18 meeting, the Fort Clark Municipal Utility District (MUD) Board of Directors unanimously approved an agreement with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to strengthen the District’s cybersecurity protections.

This agreement allows Fort Clark MUD to participate in UTRGV’s Regional Security Operations Center, known as the RSOC. The RSOC is a state-authorized program that helps public entities monitor and respond to cyber threats. The Board’s decision follows cybersecurity weaknesses that were identified in the District’s most recent annual audit.

Like most organizations today, Fort Clark MUD relies on computers and digital systems for billing, financial records, operational controls, and communication. Even small rural utility districts are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals. Rather than waiting for a problem to occur, the Board chose to take action to address the issues noted in the audit and strengthen protections now.

Through this partnership, the District will receive around-the-clock monitoring of its network systems. If unusual or suspicious activity is detected, the RSOC will provide alerts and help coordinate a response. The program also offers intrusion detection support, reporting, and guidance on best practices to reduce risk. While no cybersecurity system can promise that a breach will never happen, having professional monitoring in place greatly improves the District’s ability to catch problems early and limit potential damage.

The program is funded primarily through the Texas Department of Information Resources using state legislative appropriations. Because of this funding structure, many of the services are provided without direct cost to participating entities. If state funding changes in the future, any cost-sharing arrangement would require mutual agreement. At this time, the partnership allows Fort Clark MUD to improve its cybersecurity protections without placing an immediate additional burden on local taxpayers.

Under the agreement, Fort Clark MUD continues to own its data. UTRGV’s role is limited to providing security services under clearly defined terms. The District is responsible for maintaining updated software and cooperating in any response efforts to ensure the program works effectively.

By joining this statewide initiative, Fort Clark MUD gains access to cybersecurity expertise and monitoring tools that would be difficult and expensive to provide on its own. The unanimous vote of the Board reflects a shared commitment to protecting District operations, customer information, and the financial stability of the utility.

In today’s environment, where cyber threats continue to grow, this agreement represents a practical and responsible step to safeguard the systems that keep the District running.