Industry Reaction as Key Cybersecurity Adviser Resigns from White House

He played a key role in President Trump's cybersecurity initiatives and he's announced he is resigning.

It was just before Halloween 2017 when Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert seemed to have the authority to make the homeland more cybersecure.

He announced a 3 pronged approach:

1. Strengthening the security of the government's networks
2. Incorporating government resources to better secure critical infrastructure, like banks and hospitals
3. Defining norms in nation-state actions in cyberspace and punishing bad behavior

Reaction to losing cyber leader in government

Dr. Chris Pierson, CEO & founder of Binary Sun Cyber Risk Advisors, tells SecureWorld he is concerned about the departure.

"The loss of another key cybersecurity player from the White House and other federal agencies over the past year is deeply concerning.  We have seen talent leave from numerous intelligence and policy making agencies while at the same time seen an increase in cyberoperations against the U.S. and its critical infrastructure," Pierson says.

"Cybersecurity is one of the most critical homeland security issues our nation faces and the one our adversaries are seeking to exploit in greater numbers.  This is even more concerning given the lack of progress on the President's Cybersecurity Executive Order from May 11, 2017."

Politico covered Bossert's departure as well and also found security industry concern about this change.

“Bossert brought a deep understanding on cyber to a role that has typically been filled by someone who was new to the issue," said Rob Knake, an Obama-era director of cyber policy at the National Security Council and now a cyber fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

"Definitely a loss if his replacement is drawn from the pool of talent that is exclusively focused on terrorism."

No reason has been given for Bossert's departure.