Sharing her expertise to better prepare state and local governments for cyberattacks, New Mexico Tech’s Lorie Liebrock recently was named to two key committees at the state and federal level. Liebrock is a computer science and engineering professor and director of the New Mexico Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NMCCoE).

Lorrie Liebrock

Established by a recent executive order from Gov. Michelle Luhan Grisham, the Cybersecurity Planning Committee will develop a robust cyberinfrastructure to address risks and threats within state and local governments. The committee also will advise the governor regarding cybersecurity legislation and support applications to receive federal funding to address cybersecurity needs throughout the state.

“New Mexico has had numerous cyber attacks this year against schools, state agencies, health centers, and even non-profits,” said Liebrock. “If we don’t join forces on cybersecurity, then you will fight the battle alone and you will lose. It is just a matter of time.”

According to Liebrock, New Mexico’s vulnerabilities remain largely unchecked.

“We have to develop a plan for how the state addresses cybersecurity incidents,” Liebrock said.

On Dec. 1, Liebrock will begin serving a three-year term on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Advisory Council as its cybersecurity selection. The 40-member council advises the FEMA Administrator on emergency management.

“I’m excited about this because it’s, of course, an opportunity to help New Mexico, but it’s also an opportunity to help our nation,” she said. “Serving in these roles will support CyberReady NM – NMCCoE’s collaborative statewide plan to make New Mexico a leader in cybersecurity.”

Liebrock joined the New Mexico Tech faculty in 2002 and became a full professor in 2011. She is the founding director of the NMCCoE.

Katie Bauer, NMT Communications