New US National Cyber Director used to hold important position at CIA

On December 12, the US Senate approved Mr. Harry Coker Jr. as National Cyber Director, responsible for advising President Joe Biden on cybersecurity policy and strategy, replacing Mr. Chris Inglis who resigned in February 2023.

Tân Giám đốc Mạng quốc gia Mỹ từng giữ vị trí quan trọng tại CIA

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 a myriad of cybersecurity threats, including the 2024 presidential election, which many experts believe will be targeted by foreign-government-backed hackers.

Under the Biden administration, Washington has dealt with several major cyberattacks on federal agencies, including a July intrusion campaign targeting senior officials at the State and Commerce departments.

Mr. Coker enters the White House with four decades of experience working for the US government. He began his career as a naval officer and has 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 emphasized that his office has a “support role” in protecting the election.

The National Cyber Director position was created in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act — the annual budget bill for the U.S. military — after a massive cyberattack on government systems known as Solarburst. It replaces the White House cyber coordinator position, which served a similar purpose.

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