Gov. Henry McMaster Announces the Center for Cybersecurity at SCRA

Governor Henry McMaster today announced the creation of the new  Center for Cybersecurity at the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA). The Center will lead the implementation of  South Carolina’s statewide cybersecurity strategic plan. The plan was developed from a multi-year, comprehensive study completed in 2024 that evaluated the state’s cybersecurity needs, assets, and challenges.

“Cybersecurity has been a priority in South Carolina for years, and the creation of the new Center ensures that our work moves forward with greater coordination and focus,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “By aligning and strengthening the efforts of our partners across the state, we are building a more secure and resilient cyber future. This will help protect our people, support our businesses, and enhance our long-term competitiveness.”

South Carolina’s cyber strategic plan is a true ‘whole-of-state’ plan that addresses cybersecurity in education, workforce development, defense partnerships, economic growth, and prevention and response capabilities for our state and local government agencies, businesses, and citizens.

“After years of work and the comprehensiveness of the study that informed the strategic plan, I’m excited that we’re leading the charge to ensure that the plan’s recommendations are implemented,” said SCRA Interim President and CEO Bill Kirkland. “We’re dedicated to ensuring the security of our current and future technological infrastructure.”

Brian Shea of Simon Everett, Ltd., a twenty-year veteran of federal and state strategic planning initiatives—including cyber coordination for multiple states and regions—will lead the Center at SCRA and provide regular updates on the plan’s implementation to the Office of the Governor. Shea led the development of the strategic plan and the study that informed it.

“SCRA’s Center for Cybersecurity will drive the implementation of the plan by coordinating among the many stakeholders who helped to develop it, including the Office of the Governor, SC Department of Commerce, SC Department of Employment and Workforce, SC Department of Education and school district leaders across the state, SC Technical College System, SC Council on Competitiveness, SC Department of Veterans Affairs, SC Department of Administration, SC Law Enforcement Division, Savannah River National Laboratory, public and private universities across the state, and cybersecurity companies and professional associations across the state,” said Brian Shea.

Starting in January, the Center for Cybersecurity will actively engage those stakeholders and more to implement and evaluate 20 key cybersecurity initiatives, demonstrating a committed and comprehensive approach.