Sean Plankey, Nicholas Andersen short listed for Trump's CISA
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Two former Trump cyber officials are the likely choices to take the top roles at the lead U.S. cyber agency, according to two people familiar with the matter.
Why it matters: The new leaders of the Department of Homeland Security office will play a key role in helping the president-elect respond to recent China-backed cyberattacks on U.S. government networks.
Zoom in: The Trump transition team is zeroing in on Sean Plankey to run the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Nicholas Andersen to be No. 2 as deputy director, according to the people familiar with ongoing discussions.
- Both Plankey and Andersen held several top cyber roles during the Trump administration: They each had top roles in the Energy Department's cyber office and at the White House overseeing cyber policy.
- CISA helps federal agencies shore up their cybersecurity strategies and coordinates several partnerships between the federal government and private sector to better fight major cyberattacks.
- Plankey's role would need Senate confirmation. Politico first reported on Plankey's momentum.
Yes, but: Trump has been known to change his mind at the last minute.
- The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The big picture: CISA's mission is likely to face intense scrutiny once Trump takes office next week following years of Republican criticism over its election security work.
- Some officials have called to eliminate the office altogether.
Between the lines: So far, those in the cyber industry seem pleased to hear both Plankey and Andersen's names floated.
- "No appointment is official until announced by President Trump, but both gentlemen would be outstanding in senior cyber roles, have significant prior government and tech sector experience, and are totally aligned with President Trump's cybersecurity vision for America," Michael Clauser, a Republican cybersecurity and defense policy consultant, told Axios.
What we're watching: Trump has yet to nominate leaders for the Office of the National Cyber Director or announce who will take a leading cyber role in the White House's National Security Council.
Go deeper: Bad blood complicates pool for Trump's cyber nominees
