White House Draws Concern by Eliminating Top Cyber Adviser to ‘Improve Efficiency’

The White House this week eliminated its top cyber policy adviser position in a move a National Security Council spokesman said will "improve efficiency, reduce bureaucracy" and promote accountability. “The National Security Council’s cyber office already has two very capable Senior Directors. Moving forward, these Senior Directors will coordinate cyber matters and policy,” he emailed. FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel tweeted: “This does not seem like a good idea.” Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., called the decision “mind-boggling”: “Our adversaries are investing heavily in 21st century cyber warfare capabilities, and if we only view national security through a conventional 20th century lens, we’re going to find ourselves unable to respond to increasingly asymmetric cyber threats down the road.”