Former NSA, CIA Official to be Nominated by the White House as Next National Cyber Director

In an announcement on Tuesday, the White House revealed that President Biden intends to nominate Harry Coker as the next national cyber director, replacing Chris Inglis, who resigned earlier this year.

Coker, an experienced national security expert with over four decades of public service, served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years before joining the CIA and the NSA in various positions. Currently, he works as a senior fellow at Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security.

If confirmed, Coker will play a crucial role in implementing and leading Biden’s national cyber strategy, which was unveiled in March. The strategy focuses on defending critical infrastructure, combating cyber criminals, and fostering international partnerships.

The appointment comes at a time when lawmakers have been urging the administration to quickly fill the vacant cyber director position since February. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), co-chairs of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, sent a letter to President Biden in May urging prompt action. As cyberattacks continue to increase, they emphasized the urgent need for leadership in addressing this significant national threat.

In their letter, the lawmakers also recommended Kemba Walden, the acting director and former principal deputy under Inglis, as a highly qualified candidate. They expressed confidence in her suitability for the position and anticipated a swift confirmation. However, The Washington Post reported that Walden will not be considered for the permanent role due to concerns about her personal debt, which could complicate the confirmation process.

Sources cited by The Post stated that Walden’s financial situation could potentially give some lawmakers grounds to challenge her nomination.

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