Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday said that Phillip Reitinger, deputy under secretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate at DHS, will also serve as the director of the National Cybersecurity Center to coordinate the departments efforts on cyber security.
Napolitano also announced that Greg Schaffer has been appointed to be the assistant secretary for cybersecurity and communications, and Bruce McConnell has been appointed as counselor to the NPPD under Reitinger.
“This is a crucial time to strengthen the core of our cybersecurity leadership team,” Napolitano said in a statement. “Centralizing our cyber security efforts under Phil’s leadership will help create a unified DHS as we continue to adapt to an ever-changing array of threats. Together, Phil, Bruce and Greg will guide the Department’s efforts to prevent cyber attacks and protect the nation’s critical information systems and networks.”
Schaffer previously was with Alltel Communications, where he was responsible for logical security, physical security, internal and external investigations, fraud, law enforcement relations, and privacy and regulatory compliance. At DHS, he will work with NPPD to lead the coordinated efforts of his center and its components, which include the National Communications System, the National Cyber Security Division, and the Office of Emergency Communications.
McConnell was on the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team working various information policy and technology issues.