Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on Monday announced an agency reorganization to elevate its cybersecurity mission after a string of serious hacking incidents.
Johnson said he has directed that the department’s hub for information, incident response and coordination, known as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, or NCCIC, will report directly to him.
Johnson also said he has directed another part of the agency, the National Protection and Program Directorate, to develop a reorganization plan that will ensure that the NCCIC is “focused on strengthening our operational capabilities for mitigating and responding to cyber-incidents.”
In the last month, United Airlines and American Airlines admitted they were hit by the same Chinese hacking group that breached two massive databases at the Office of Personnel Management.
Intelligence experts argue that Chinese officials are planning to cross-reference the stolen airline travel logs with the OPM security clearance data gleaned from an estimated 21.5 million Americans. Hackers also have infiltrated the U.S. air traffic control system in recent months, forcing airlines to ground planes.
Key lawmakers say the cybersecurity incidents require a strong congressional response to enable information sharing between the private sector and government.
Senate GOP leaders were forced to pull a cyber bill from consideration before heading out for a month-long August recess, but observers said recent action on the bill could set the stage for successful passage in the fall.
As part of the DHS reorganization, Johnson said Dr. Andy Ozment, currently the assistant secretary of the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications, would assume overall and direct responsibility for the NCCIC, and John Felker would run its day-to-day operations.
Before joining DHS, Ozment served at the White House as the president’s senior director for cybersecurity, and previously served in cybersecurity roles with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, National Security Agency, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Merrill Lynch and Nortel Networks.
Felker previously served as director of cyber and intelligence strategy for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services, and has also served as vice president of cyber-programs at SCI Consulting. He spent 30 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, including a post as deputy commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Cyber Command.
“Dr. Ozment and Mr. Felker will provide a combination of operational experience, leadership and strategic insight needed to take the NCCIC to the next level for our cybersecurity,” Johnson said in a statement.
