US Senate approves new National Cybersecurity Director

The US Senate on December 12 (local time) approved Mr. Harry Coker Jr. as Director of National Cyber Security, responsible for advising President Joe Biden on cybersecurity policy and strategy, replacing Mr. Chris Inglis who resigned in February this year.

Mr. Harry Coker Jr. served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Director of the National Security Agency (NSA). Source: CyberScoop

Mr. Coker’s appointment comes as the United States faces growing cybersecurity threats, including in the run-up to next year’s presidential election. Under President Biden’s administration, the United States has dealt with several major cyberattacks on federal agencies, including the State Department and the Commerce Department.

Mr. Coker has spent four decades in the US Government . He began his career as a naval officer and held key positions such as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Director of the National Security Agency (NSA).

Speaking to senators during the hearing, Mr. Coker asserted that his office has a “support role” in supporting local and state governments in protecting elections.

Following a massive cyber attack on government systems known as Solarburst, the US has decided to establish the position of National Cybersecurity Director within the framework of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act - the annual budget bill of the US military.

VNA

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