Tech industry endorsements surge for Trump's prospective cyber picks

The U.S. Senate Homeland Security Committee is set to hold a confirmation hearing for Sean Plankey and Sean Cairncross on Thursday, as both individuals have received significant endorsements for their nominations to serve as director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and national cyber director, respectively.

Sean Plankey, known for his knowledge and willingness to listen to industry and other security experts, has built up a strong reputation in Washington. His background at the National Security Council and the U.S. Department of Energy has prepared him to help protect critical infrastructure. Plankey's supporters argue that his combination of public- and private-sector roles makes him likely to prioritize cyber partnerships, and his focus on CISA's core infrastructure protection mission could be well-positioned to refocus the agency.

Trey Herr, director of the Atlantic Council's Cyber Statecraft Initiative, believes Sean Plankey's policy experience makes him well-suited to guide CISA. Ari Schwartz, managing director of cybersecurity services at Venable, has stated that Plankey is extremely knowledgeable and willing to listen to industry and other security experts.

Cairncross, on the other hand, does not have a technology or cybersecurity background, but his extensive White House ties are seen as crucial for the Office of the National Cyber Director's (ONCD) political influence. Cairncross's supporters include former senior intelligence officials, the McCrary Institute's director, executives at RSA Security, Dragos, and CrowdStrike, and Chris Inglis, the first national cyber director. His backers say his private-sector managerial experience, White House national security roles, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders will suit him well at the helm of the ONCD.

The broad support for both Plankey and Cairncross reflects urgent concerns about the cybersecurity leadership void inside the Trump administration. The importance of CISA's mission has become increasingly evident due to the rising sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks. The two groups of supporters emphasized the importance of Trump's cybersecurity nominees taking the reins of organizations that play key roles in national cyber defense.

A collection of groups that includes the Association of the United States Cyber Forces, CSC 2.0, the Cyber Threat Alliance, the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, and the Operational Technology Cyber Coalition wrote in support of Plankey. Cairncross's supporters include these organisations, as well as other executives at cybersecurity firms, former senior government officials from both parties, leaders of trade groups, think tanks, and other experts.

If confirmed, Plankey could provide a reassuring presence at CISA, which is reeling from the loss of top talent and important contracts as part of the Trump administration's downsizing efforts. The confirmation hearing on Thursday will be an important step in determining whether Plankey and Cairncross will take on these crucial roles in securing the nation's cyber infrastructure.