Region 8: What We Do

In Region 8, we serve as a central coordinator of analysis, planning, and response working with partners to defend against today’s threats and collaborating to build more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future. Protective Security Advisors, Cybersecurity Advisors, Chemical Security Inspectors, Emergency Communications Division Coordinators, and other CISA personnel provide risk and risk mitigation advice; conduct outreach, assessments and inspections; and coordinate and deliver training and program exercises to CISA’s partners. 

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Advisors (CSAs) 

CSAs offer cybersecurity assistance to critical infrastructure owners and operators and state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) governments. CSAs introduce organizations to various CISA cybersecurity products and services, along with other public and private resources, and act as liaisons to CISA cyber programs. CSAs can provide cyber preparedness, assessments and protective resources, strategic messaging, working group support and leadership, partnership in public-private development, and incident coordination and support in times of cyber threat, disruption, and attack.     

Infrastructure Security 

Protective Security Advisors (PSAs) 

PSAs are trained subject matter experts in critical infrastructure protection and vulnerability mitigation. They facilitate local field activities in coordination with other Department of Homeland Security offices. They also advise and assist state, local, and private sector officials and critical infrastructure facility owners and operators.  

Chemical Security Inspectors (CSIs) 

CSIs safeguard the American people by preventing the misuse of chemicals in a terrorist attack on the homeland. Every day, thousands of chemical facilities across the country—from small companies to national laboratories—use, manufacture, store, and transport dangerous chemicals in a complex, global chain that affects other critical infrastructure sectors. CSIs manage programs such as ChemLock to help stakeholders—private industry, public sector, and law enforcement—secure chemical facilities from many threats, ranging from: cyberattacks, insider threats, and theft and diversion for use in chemical or explosive weapons.  

Emergency Communications

Emergency Communication Coordinators (ECCs)

ECCs support emergency communications interoperability by offering training, tools, workshops, and regional support. These services assist CISA stakeholders in ensuring they have communications during steady state and emergency operations. Through these programs, CISA assists emergency preparedness communities seamlessly and securely communicate, ensuring public safety and national security.