VA seeks permanent CISO

The Department of Veterans Affairs is looking to hire a permanent chief information security officer.

Earlier in February, VA tapped Dominic Cussatt to serve as acting CISO, replacing Roopangi Kadakia, who was reassigned to lead VA's cloud transformation.

The department announced its search for the position in a posting on USAJobs.gov. The job is a senior executive service position that requires a top-secret security clearance.

The position is integral to VA's IT management, security and oversight across the entire department, which spends more than $4 billion annually on IT. The position is also the primary advisor for data security, risk management and business continuity matters. VA has been trying to improve its security posture in recent years. Former CIO LaVerne Council pivoted to a new cybersecurity strategy in 2015 after taking over IT leadership.

The position's duties include ensuring federal security compliance, defining information protection and network security activities, as well as managing and developing VA's cybersecurity policies.

The CISO is also expected to coordinate with staff across VA offices, including the VA Office of the Inspector General to make sure cybersecurity issues are addressed in a timely way and to facilitate OIG oversight responsibilities.

Technical qualifications include experience in developing and managing IT security, privacy and risk response programs for health care or benefits delivery organizations.

The listed salary range is between $124,406 and $187,000, and those interested have until March 2 to apply.