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California Cybersecurity Task Force

Note: For SLCGP information, please go to the CyberSecurity Investment Planning Subcommittee (CIPS) section below.

Mission

The California Cybersecurity Task Force is an advisory body to the State of California Senior Administration Officials in matters related to Cybersecurity.

History and Mandate

From its creation in 2013 until approximately 2018, Cal OES had built the California Cybersecurity Task Force (CCTF) to be the preeminent cybersecurity advisory body for California. After the Cal-CSIC stood up in 2018, it took on the responsibility of running the CCTF. It is composed of seven subcommittees focused on goals and objectives aligned to state cybersecurity objectives. The subcommittees are comprised of subject matter experts and executive representatives from Federal, State, local, and tribal government, private industry, academia, and law enforcement in California.

In accordance with Section 8586.5 of the Government Code:

“The Office of Emergency Services shall establish and lead the California Cybersecurity Integration Center. The California Cybersecurity Integration Center’s primary mission is to reduce the likelihood and severity of cyber incidents that could damage California’s economy, its critical infrastructure, or public and private sector computer networks in our state. The California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall serve as the central organizing hub of state government’s cybersecurity activities and coordinate information sharing with local, state, and federal agencies, tribal governments, utilities and other service providers, academic institutions, and nongovernmental organizations.”

Furthermore:

“The California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall develop a statewide cybersecurity strategy, informed by recommendations from the California Task Force on Cybersecurity and in accordance with state and federal requirements, standards, and best practices. The cybersecurity strategy shall be developed to improve how cyber threats are identified, understood, and shared to reduce threats to California government, businesses, and consumers. The strategy shall also strengthen cyber emergency preparedness and response, standardize implementation of data protection measures, enhance digital forensics and cyber investigative capabilities, deepen expertise among California’s workforce of cybersecurity professionals, and expand cybersecurity awareness and public education.”

How You Can Participate

The CCTF is open to cybersecurity professionals from across the state who are committed to improving cybersecurity in California. It is composed of subject matter experts and executive representatives from Federal, State, local, and tribal government, private industry (particularly utilities and service providers), academia, non-governmental organizations, and law enforcement in California. All CCTF members have a vested interest in cybersecurity and their involvement and commitment will benefit California and its citizens. As a voluntary organization, you can participate as much or as little as you have time for. By taking an active role in the CCTF you will find opportunity to help shape major cybersecurity initiatives, network with colleagues, share your insights, bring best practices back to your organizations, and learn more about what the Cal-CSIC and its partners are doing to build security in cyberspace. If you are interested in joining, please use the contact information below.

Subcommittees

Task Force subcommittees have been formed based on strategic goals and vital areas of opportunity. There are nine subcommittees within the Task Force each focused on a specific strategic goal.

Election Security Subcommittee (ESS)

  • Strengthen statewide election system security by coordinating information sharing, supporting vulnerability assessments, and advising on best practices across voter registration, management, tabulation, and reporting systems.
  • Enhance preparedness through targeted training and exercises and provide ongoing guidance to the Steering Committee on election-related cybersecurity and statutory outreach requirements.
  • Subcommittee Chair: Travis Nichols, California Cybersecurity Integration Center

Emerging Technology Subcommittee (ETS)

  • Identify and assess cybersecurity risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, quantum computing, 5G, IoT, autonomous systems, blockchain, and biotech, while advising on responsible policy and procurement frameworks.
  • Coordinate with technology, research, investment, regulatory, and cybersecurity communities and support implementation of major AI-related state statutes and guidance.
  • Subcommittee Chair: David Lane, California Department of Technology

Critical Infrastructure Subcommittee (CIS)

  • Advise on cybersecurity risks, regulatory issues, OT/ICS security, supply chain vulnerabilities, sector interdependencies, and strategies for protecting legacy systems.
  • Promote resilience and shared situational awareness through collaboration among owners/operators, regulators, sector councils, and experts, including enhanced threat information sharing and recovery planning.

Cyber Risk Management Subcommittee (CRMS)

  • Strengthen statewide cyber readiness through comprehensive risk frameworks, best-practice guidance, incident response alignment with national standards, and governance of risk across agencies and critical infrastructure.
  • Support resilience planning and develop metrics to measure cyber posture, business continuity, disaster recovery, and long-term capability improvements.
  • Subcommittee Chair: MAJ Massimo Rapparini, CA Army National Guard

Workforce Development and Education Subcommittee (WDES)

  • Align and strengthen cybersecurity education pathways and expand the talent pipeline through partnerships across K-12, higher education, vocational programs, and industry certification providers.
  • Advance statewide workforce readiness through awareness, upskilling, and coordinated development initiatives that support government, critical infrastructure, small businesses, and broader economic and equity goals.
  • Subcommittee Chair: Dr. Keith Clement, CSU Fresno

High Tech and Digital Forensics Subcommittee (HTDFS)

  • Develop statewide digital evidence training and readiness frameworks for law enforcement and non-law enforcement responders, including mutual aid agreements for evidence acquisition and preservation.
  • Build regional digital forensics capacity covering cloud, IoT, mobile, cryptocurrency, and AI investigations through expanded laboratory capabilities and specialized expertise.

Training and Exercise Subcommittee (TES)

  • Design and coordinate cybersecurity training, tabletop exercises, functional exercises, and full-scale simulations to strengthen preparedness, interagency coordination, and leadership decision-making.
  • Lead annual statewide exercises, develop playbooks and training resources, and establish metrics to evaluate communication, coordination, capability gaps, and overall multi-agency response readiness.
  • Subcommittee Chair: Matthew Ivler, California Cybersecurity Integration Center

Cybersecurity Investment Planning Subcommittee (CIPS)

  • Recommend strategic cybersecurity investment priorities, monitor the effectiveness of grant-funded initiatives, and provide guidance to agencies and applicants on available cybersecurity grants.
  • Serve as the required State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program planning committee and facilitate information sharing among eligible state, local, tribal, special district, and educational entities to maximize statewide impact.

Economic Development Subcommittee (EDS)

  • Expand California’s cybersecurity industry by advising on research, innovation, asset development, and integration of cybersecurity into regional and statewide economic strategies.
  • Support international engagement and market access for California cybersecurity companies while ensuring compliance with export controls and safeguarding sensitive technologies.

 

Contact Information

Questions regarding CCTF, or to be added to the Contact List:

  • Email calcsic@caloes.ca.gov
  • Put [California Cybersecurity Task Force inquiry] in subject line
  • If requesting to be added to the contact list, please use your work email and include your organization, position/title, and cybersecurity role

If interested in Joining or Participating in the CCTF:

Cybersecurity Investment Planning Subcommittee & SLCGP: