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Cybersecurity Coordinator – new man, same ol’ position

I’ve been mulling on the appointment of Howard Schmidt as U.S. Cybersecurity Coordinator for several days.  This is the appointment that has been 10-months in the coming since President Obama vowed to create the post.   This is the role that was previously filled (at least functionally) by Melissa Hathaway who left over frustration with the way the U.S. government works.  Before her, it was Amit Yoran who was the cybersecurity czar for DHS.  He was dessimated by bureaucrats and lasted only a year.

Schmidt had a previous run as a cybersecurity advisor for the G.W. Bush presidency.  From all accounts he is a skilled man with an impressive resume.  Unfortunately, the position itself has been designed with so many obstacles that success is unlikely.  Though he is supposed to have access to the President, the position is several steps down the organization ladder.  As I’ve seen in the private sector, when you place security out-of-sight it quickly becomes out-of-mind.

The mission of the position has been set by President Obama but with executive-level focus on so many different arenas, I’m afraid the cyber-security talk will be just that… talk.  This position is one with a lot of responsibility without the authority needed to accomplish the goals.  A recipe for failure in any organization.  This nation needs information security leadership.  Howard Schmidt is the right man but the position will limit his ability to succeed.   Best of luck!  I hope I’m wrong.

Articles regarding this appointment:

Rotella, Sebastian.  “Howard Schmidt named cyber-security czar“.  LA Times, 12/23/2009

Nakashima, Ellen.  “Obama to name Howard Schmidt as cybersecurity coordinator“.  Washington Post, 12/22/2009