Senator Amy Klobuchar and 18 other Democratic senators have sent a letter urging National Security Advisor John Bolton to reconsider the decision to eliminate the role of cybersecurity coordinator, arguing that it represents a step in the wrong direction.
Bolton announced the decision to cut the cybersecurity role following the departure of Rob Joyce. The National Security Council said the move was part of an effort to streamline authority, noting that the duties of the cybersecurity coordinator would be taken over by two other senior directors.
While there are a few private-sector cybersecurity professionals who applaud the decision, many believe eliminating the role is a big mistake. Ross Rustici of Cybereason warns that without a civilian cyber expert in the room – only civilians without such expertise and a cyber-tasked general – “Every cyber event will become a military issue with a military solution.”