Carlos S. Lobato, New Mexico State University system's chief information security officer, has been appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to a Cybersecurity Planning Committee the governor created through an executive order to guide New Mexico's initiatives to protect the state's information security and privacy.
“It is more critical than ever to defend New Mexicans against the increasing threats of cyberattacks,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham after signing the executive order in September. “As hackers grow more sophisticated, it is vital for the state to safeguard private information and protect against threats to services and infrastructure.”
With more than 20 years of professional experience in the corporate and banking industry, higher education and local government entities, Lobato is a licensed certified public accountant in New Mexico and holds various professional auditing and information security certifications. He earned two bachelor's degrees from NMSU, one in in business computer systems and another in accounting, and a master's degree in business administration.
Lobato has earned a number of recognitions, including being selected last year for the first cohort of the National Association of College and University Business Officers’ new Emerging Leaders Program.
"Carlos is a great choice for this committee. He is a dedicated professional who has demonstrated his committment to cybersecurity in the NMSU system since 2012 when he was the system's first IT compliance officer," said Thomas Bunton, NMSU chief information officer. "In 2017, Carlos was appointed as chief privacy officer where he implemented a privacy program, conducting IT risk assessments, promoting IT and data security-related training and awareness programs. He continues his cybersecurity mission for the NMSU system today as our chief information security officer."
The Cybersecurity Planning Committee will work with New Mexico's Department of Information Technology to plan and develop a robust cyberinfrastructure to address risks and threats to information systems owned by state and local governments and to provide recommendations and advice on funding opportunities for cybersecurity infrastructure.
"My role on this committee will be to represent the higher education sector at the state level and to collaborate with the other members representing the other state industry sectors such as municipalities, counties, school districts and tribal communities," said Lobato. "Our mission is to provide advice on developing a cybersecurity program for the entire state of New Mexico."
Responsibilities for the Cybersecurity Planning Committee include assisting with the development, implementation and revision as well as approval of the state's cybersecurity plan.
“I look forward to collaborating with my peers at other agencies across the state to share our expertise to help plan for the future security of New Mexico's information systems technologies," Lobato said.
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