Who Stands to Fill Top Cyber Posts in Trump Administration?

The much anticipated US 2024 election has come and went. Result: Donald Trump will return to the White House.

But far from being the only change in government, Trump will bring with him a new administration intent on helping him execute his vision for time in office. 

Although eyes will be on the roles such as Chief of Staff, Director of National Intelligence or Secretary of State, a less talked about, but growingly important post that is also up for grabs is cybersecurity roles. 

The White House, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Pentagon and the Energy Department all have positions that involve cyber, and with cyber playing an increasingly important role in governments, many will be vying for it. 

But who are the movers and shakers when it comes to these cybersecurity positions?

The front-runners

Three names have emerged as clear favourites for top cyber policy roles in the Trump administration, should they choose to accept such positions.

Sean Plankey is a name that consistently surfaces in discussions about key cyber roles.

The former senior National Security Council (NSC) and Energy Department official is viewed as a strong contender to lead either the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) or the Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response (CESER), where he previously served. 

Cory Simpson, CEO of the non-profit Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology, echoed the sentiments of several others, stating, "I think he'd be a perfect fit for either".

Karen Evans, who previously served as the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Homeland Security and was the first Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary of CESER, is another name frequently mentioned. 

Karen is widely tipped for an under-secretary role within the Department of Homeland Security, according to three sources. Her reputation for bipartisan cooperation during her tenure at the Department of Energy makes her a particularly attractive candidate.

Joshua Steinman is considered a prime candidate for the top cyber policy post in the National Security Council. Having spent four years at the Trump NSC during the first term, Steinman has established strong connections and is well-regarded among Trump supporters. 

However, there is some uncertainty about whether he would be willing to leave the cybersecurity company Galvanick that he co-founded four years ago to return to a government role

Other contenders

Beyond the top three, several other individuals have been mentioned as potential candidates for senior cyber policy roles in the Trump administration.

Katie Arrington, who previously served as the Chief Information Security Officer for the Pentagon's Office of Acquisition and Sustainment during Trump's first term, is seen as a favourite of the former president. 

One source likened her to the "Trump equivalent" of current CISA Director Jen Easterly, suggesting she could be a strong contender to lead CISA.

Rob Strayer, who held the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Cyber at the State Department under the Trump administration, is viewed as a potential candidate to lead the State Department's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy.

Matt Hayden, the former Assistant Secretary for Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience Policy at the Department of Homeland Security, is considered by one source as someone who could easily gain Senate confirmation. Hayden's recent involvement in drafting a bipartisan report outlining recommendations for the next administration's approach to cyber policy further bolsters his credentials.

Lucian Niemeyer, a former senior Pentagon official, is rumoured to be interested in leading CISA or serving as the Department of Defense's senior cyber official.

Cyber policy under Trump

As the Trump transition team continues to deliberate on these crucial appointments, the cybersecurity community watches with keen interest. 

The individuals chosen for these roles will play a pivotal part in shaping America's cyber defence strategy and its approach to the ever-evolving digital threats facing the nation. 

With the landscape of cyber warfare constantly shifting, the importance of selecting the right leaders for these positions cannot be overstated. 

With the President-elect indicating a sterner relationship with both Iran and China, already hotbeds for adversary activity, the likelihood is attacks could soon surge past even today’s levels.

Thus the cyber sector is likely waiting with baited breath see who will be entrusted with safeguarding America's digital future.

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