Vision
Information Security, part of Austin Technology Services, is a trusted business partner in a security, privacy, and risk-aware culture.
Mission
Information Security's mission is to provide the framework, leadership, and services to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and technology.
Core Values
- Professionalism - We are dedicated to competently providing reliable service.
- Accountability - We hold ourselves and each other responsible for our actions and outcomes, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Transparency - We believe transparency is the foundation of trust.
- Integrity - We act honorably and communicate openly, with a focus on honesty and ethics in all interactions.
- Inclusion - We welcome and encourage diverse viewpoints with respect and empathy.
Divisions
Our divisions include Security Operations, Governance Risk and Compliance, and Privacy Office.
Security Operations
Provides Security Architecture and engineering, threat and vulnerability management, incident response, and digital forensics investigation support.
Governance Risk and Compliance
Provides Governance, Risk, and Compliance management support for the internal citywide information security program and provides leadership and direction for related programs.
Privacy Office
Manages citywide privacy, oversight, and steering through stakeholder engagement, and conducts internal searches to identify and collect email for public information requests.
- About Dr. Brian Gardner, Interim Chief Information Security Officer
-
Dr. Brian Gardner came to the City Austin after 7 plus years in municipal government. As the Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with extensive experience in municipal digital transformation initiatives. Dr. Gardner has successfully optimized technology investments, reduced operational inefficiencies, and enhanced interagency collaboration in government settings.
Dr. Brian joined the city in 2017 to develop IT Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance programs. Since taking on the role, he has implemented a risk-based framework for cybersecurity strategy to assess and mature the City's security capabilities, assure regulatory compliance, and mitigate enterprise-wide technology and business risk. In addition, implementing the City's first Cyber Fusion Center and Security Operation Center. Dr. Gardner moved into the CTO and CIO to lead transformative and modernization of the City IT services. Several included smart cloud, resiliency and application rationalization.
Dr. Brian's cybersecurity industry experience extends from global financial services, national healthcare services, and Big Four consulting before entering public service. Dr. Brian holds a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Accounting, a Master's in Information Security Management, and a PhD in Information Technology, Security and Assurance. As well as research and publication on Disaster Recovery, Dr. Brian holds certifications in Cloud Security and Privacy.
He is a founding member of the Coalition of City CISOs. The group is dedicated to bringing municipal leaders and cybersecurity professionals together to advance municipal cybersecurity.