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 advise and assist facilities with hazardous chemicals on security measures to reduce the risk of those chemicals being weaponized. For facilities covered under the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program, this includes working with the highest-risk chemical facilities to develop security plans and inspecting to ensure that security is in place. For facilities that do not fall under the CFATS program, CSIs facilitate and provide voluntary security resources, including guidance, best practices, and training.  

CSIs and other regional chemical security personnel participate in conferences, meetings, and events throughout the nation to establish strong relationships with industry, government officials, first responders, law enforcement, and local community members.   

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.