One can have varying degrees of concern over “cyber” terrorism or how badly we might suffer were someone to go EBO on us, but I think we can all agree that while planning may continue, a rudderless ship is still unlikely to reach its destination. We have been hearing about what a high priority this has been for about a year now, and reportedly a “very qualified” individual is about to step up to the plate. Given the large pool of qualified people in the field I find it hard to believe that things have taken this long, which suggests that “priority” means something else on Nebraska Ave.

Money is less an issue than some would have you believe. Amit had Riptech money so his salary was basically walking around money. Plenty of well-off executives who could have pulled this off, but if I had to guess they stay away for basically the same reason why most pros in other fields give the stiff-arm to DHS job offers: the place is unworkable. I would have a different take if the early tales about overcrowding, lack of the most fundamental resources, ridiculous hours and security madness unheard of even in the IC had faded, but they have not.

You might want to bone up on your Q & Z signals and renew that ham license.

Update:

The Homeland Security Department announced today that Gregory Garcia has been appointed as the assistant secretary for cybersecurity and telecommunications.

I’ve given up saying, “never heard of him” when it comes to these hiring decisions. The proof wil be in the pudding.

About the Author

Michael Tanji

Michael Tanji spent nearly 20 years in the US intelligence community. Trained in both SIGINT and HUMINT disciplines he has worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the National Reconnaissance Office. At various points in his career he served as an expert in information warfare, computer network operations, computer forensics, and indications and warning. A veteran of the US Army, Michael has served in both strategic and tactical assignments in the Pacific Theater, the Balkans, and the Middle East.