National defense bill is heavy on cyber. What it means for the private sector.
“Cybersecurity is as critical as a physical security or any other kind of risk that they take into account when making decisions,” said Tatyana Bolton who leads the Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats team at R Street Institute and served as senior policy director for the CSC.
…
“I think there is very little daylight between him and Chris Krebs,” said Bolton. “He’s steeped in the cybersecurity culture at DHS.” Whomever President-elect Joe Biden chooses to fill the National Cyber Director will “be a known quantity in cybersecurity,” said Bolton.
But the CSC’s recommendation — to establish a Senate-confirmed National Cyber Director and Office of the National Cyber Director — is its biggest win. “It sets the tone and highlights the importance of cybersecurity,” said Bolton.
President Donald Trump eliminated the national cyber coordinator position, held by Rob Joyce, in 2018. “I think that set the tone for cybersecurity going forward and for his administration, and, unfortunately, left a vacuum in the White House,” said Bolton. Federal agencies, including CISA, acted to the best of their ability to operate as if the role was still filled. Coordination was, and is, still difficult without a voice in the executive office.
