Lincoln, Nebraska – Bryce Bailey is officially Nebraska’s chief information security officer, a role he stepped into on Tuesday after serving as interim CISO for the past month. The appointment formalizes Bailey’s leadership of the state’s cybersecurity program, tasking him with protecting enterprise systems and sensitive data across all state agencies. His arrival comes at a time of increasing cyber threats and a growing necessitate for skilled professionals to defend against them, particularly as states grapple with limited resources and evolving federal support.
Bailey’s path to the top cybersecurity post in Nebraska includes a stint as the state’s deputy CISO, a position he took on in mid-2025 and 18 months with the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). He described his modern role as extending beyond simply technical defenses, emphasizing the importance of public trust and ensuring the reliability of systems Nebraskans depend on. “It’s an ongoing effort built on public trust,” Bailey said, according to StateScoop, “making sure the systems Nebraskans rely on will be there when they need them,” and that their data remains protected.
Building a Cybersecurity Workforce for the Future
Bailey’s vision for strengthening Nebraska’s cybersecurity posture extends beyond immediate defenses. He’s focused on cultivating a robust cyber workforce, not just within state government, but across the state, including in rural communities. With a population that recently surpassed 2 million residents, Nebraska is one of the smaller states, and Bailey believes untapped talent exists in areas like Grand Island and Scottsbluff. He envisions a future where students can gain cybersecurity skills before graduating high school and remain in their communities to contribute to the state’s defenses.
This focus on early education is driven by a recognition that schools themselves are battlegrounds in the ongoing cybersecurity struggle. Bailey noted that schools are “fighting not only against adversaries,” but also “fighting against the students,” who are constantly attempting to bypass security controls. Harnessing that energy, he believes, could be a key to developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Navigating Federal Funding and Support
As Nebraska works to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities, it’s also navigating a shifting landscape of federal support. The state, like others, relies on CISA for threat intelligence, but recent funding cuts to the agency have raised concerns. Bailey acknowledged a push to “decentralize” some federal functions, but emphasized that CISA remains a key partner, with regular communication occurring “at least on a weekly basis.”
A significant source of potential federal funding is the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). Bailey described the program as “super valuable” for Nebraska, funding critical upgrades like vulnerability scanning and security information management systems, particularly for schools. He stressed the importance of collecting data to demonstrate the program’s effectiveness to federal lawmakers as they consider a second tranche of funding. “We need to be able to tell that story to the federal government,” he said, “to individuals in Washington, D.C., and tell them how important this program is.”
Changing the Culture of Cybersecurity
Beyond technical improvements and funding, Bailey aims to reshape the perception of cybersecurity within Nebraska’s government. He wants to move away from a culture where cybersecurity professionals are seen as obstacles, constantly saying “no” to new initiatives. Instead, he wants to foster “secure innovation,” embedding security into processes from the outset. “I want to drive that secure innovation,” Bailey said, “making sure security is baked in from the very beginning. I want to leave Nebraska’s security posture stronger than I found it, not just technically but also culturally.”
Bailey’s ambition extends beyond Nebraska’s borders. He hopes to position the state as a leader in cybersecurity, a place where other states look for innovative solutions. “By the time I’m done here and my time has come,” he said, “I want other state CISOs and CIOs to be looking at Nebraska and saying, Man, what is Nebraska doing? Let’s reach out to them so that People can do what they’re doing.”
The Nebraska legislature is expected to continue discussions regarding cybersecurity funding and policy in the coming months. Updates on these initiatives will be available through the Nebraska Office of the Chief Information Officer website.
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