Texas Bolsters Cybersecurity Measures Against Potential Chinese Threats to Medical Data

Austin, Texas – March 9, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott has directed state health agencies to address potential cybersecurity risks associated with medical equipment manufactured in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This move comes amid growing concerns about data breaches and the vulnerability of critical medical infrastructure to foreign adversaries.

Governor Abbott’s Directive

In a letter released today, Governor Abbott instructed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and public university systems to review and strengthen their cybersecurity and procurement policies. The goal is to protect the personal medical information of Texans from unauthorized access and potential espionage.

“Maintaining Texans’ physical security and protecting their personal privacy, especially personal medical data, is of paramount importance,” Governor Abbott stated. “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.”

Federal Warnings and Rising Concerns

The Governor’s directive follows a January announcement from the Trump Administration’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These agencies issued notices detailing security vulnerabilities discovered in patient monitoring devices manufactured in China. These vulnerabilities include the potential for unauthorized remote access to protected health information.

Experts have increasingly warned about the proliferation of Chinese-manufactured smart medical devices and the associated data privacy risks.

Broader Efforts to Counter Chinese Influence

Governor Abbott’s actions are part of a broader effort to protect Texas from perceived threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He has previously:

• Directed the addition of technologies to the state’s Prohibited Technology list to safeguard state government data.
• Signed legislation banning hostile foreign adversaries from purchasing land in Texas.
• Established the Texas Cyber Command, the largest state-based cybersecurity department in the United States, to defend against cyber threats.
• Issued Executive Orders GA-47, GA-48, and GA-49 to specifically address concerns related to China.

Expanding Restrictions on Chinese Technology

In January 2026, Governor Abbott expanded a ban on Chinese-linked hardware, software, and artificial intelligence tools, including popular apps like Shein and Temu, from all state-issued devices and networks. This restriction aims to prevent foreign data harvesting and protect state systems.

Legal Action Against TP-Link

Further demonstrating the state’s commitment to cybersecurity, Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against TP-Link Systems Inc. In February 2026, alleging that the company deceptively marketed its networking devices and allowed the CCP access to Americans’ devices.

These actions underscore Texas’s growing concern over cybersecurity threats originating from China and its commitment to protecting the data and privacy of its citizens.