'We don't need a eunuch' as Cyber Czar says Rep. David Wu

During a recent interview with GovInfoSecurity.com, Rep. David Wu said “If we’re going to have someone, we don’t need a cybersecurity eunuch; we need someone who has a little bit more oomph to get the job done.” Wu wants the concept to go in one of two directions: either drop the concept all together or give the position the requisite power and authority needed to be effective.

Wu’s concerns are not new. A number of cyber security experts, including many who appeared slated for the position, have raised the apparent lack of authority with the position of cyber coordinator. The position is slated to be within the White House and will have access to the president, though it appears that the access will not be as constant or direct as many believe is necessary.

Rep. Susan Collins has proposed that the cyber coordinator should actually sit in DHS to coordinate the national cyber security effort. This appears unlikely, and a number of security experts believe that, given the proper authority, operating from the White House is the best place for the cyber coordinator.