Biden confronts examination over his crucial nominations and policy objectives regarding privacy and cybersecurity
The Biden administration is gearing up to prioritize rebuilding international alliances and tackling pressing issues such as disinformation, government-sponsored cyberattacks, and surveillance, according to reports.
Former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official Suzanne Spaulding and Chris Inglis, the former deputy director at the National Security Agency (NSA), are seen as potential candidates for key positions in the new administration. Spaulding, who previously served as under secretary for the DHS, is a leading contender for the new administration, according to Lewis. Inglis, on the other hand, is linked to a possible Biden appointment, with some officials promoting him for the role of national cyber director.
Christopher Krebs, who has led the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) since 2018, is a potential holdover selection for the new administration. However, a Reuters report suggests that Krebs may be let go, but the Biden administration has the power to re-appoint him if interested. CISA has played an important role in election security and won praise from numerous officials.
The President-elect Joe Biden has a pool of experienced technology experts to choose from, many of whom served in the DHS, Department of Defense, and other agencies during the Obama Administration. These officials have years of experience in the cybersecurity space and have worked with think tanks, private sector companies, universities, and law firms.
The new administration is expected to enhance the nation's cybersecurity practices and strengthen national security. However, it faces pressure from advocates inside the U.S. to reform privacy rights and government surveillance authority. Personal data in the U.S. needs better protection, including limitations on collection and use of biometric, health, and location information, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Givens.
National security and technology experts believe the Biden administration has key roles to fill to restore the country's credibility in combating state-sponsored cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and corporate espionage, as well as addressing domestic priorities like surveillance authority and digital privacy. The new administration may work with key allies to restore partnerships weakened under the current administration, according to James Lewis.
A Reuters report suggests that Krebs may be let go, but the Biden administration has the power to re-appoint him if interested. If appointed, Spaulding would manage a budget of $3 billion and a workforce of 18,000 people who help boost cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure.
The next administration can build on the progress made this past year on federal privacy legislation to finally address the ways that discriminatory uses of people's health, financial, and other data can impact their lives. According to Alexandra Givens, president and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, a Biden administration can make progress on tech policy priorities, building an equitable digital future that protects users' rights and closes the digital divide.
Obama Administration veterans are participating on various agency transition teams to help manage key policy priorities under the new administration. The new administration may also see the involvement of potential holdovers from the current administration in shaping future policy objectives.
In conclusion, the Biden administration has a wealth of experienced experts to choose from as it looks to fill key cybersecurity and national security roles. The new administration is expected to prioritize rebuilding international alliances, enhancing cybersecurity practices, and addressing privacy concerns, among other issues.
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