DHS gets an interim cybersecurity chief

The Department of Homeland Security has appointed Bruce McConnell as its interim deputy undersecretary for cybersecurity following the resignation of Mark Weatherford, who leaves DHS for a private sector job after 16 months.

McConnell was previously DHS’ senior counselor for cybersecurity. He will take over for Weatherford on April 12.

"I am grateful for such an opportunity -- to drive continued progress towards an open cyberspace that is safe, secure, and resilient," McConnell said on his Facebook page, noting the announcement came from DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano.

McConnell takes over at a challenging time for DHS, which is in the midst of two major cyber-tasks: Carrying out the president’s cybersecurity executive order and expanding its own cybersecurity efforts. Weatherford will begin his new position at the Chertoff Group, founded by former DHS secretary Michael Chertoff, on May 1.

In a statement, Chertoff said, "Mark is an incredible thoughtful leader in the world of cybersecurity, having spent decades tackling the most challenging information technology and network security issues facing government and critical infrastructure."