Harry Coker: ONCD Taking a Collaborative Approach to Address Issues

The Office of the National Cyber Director is taking a collaborative approach to execute its mandate, according to National Cyber Director Harry Coker.

In an interview with CyberScoop, Coker, a Potomac Officers Club member, discussed how partnering with other federal agencies allows the ONCD to maximize another institution’s expertise. On why his office frequently works with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, he explained that the agency has expertise that other agencies do not possess.

The ONCD also extends its collaborative approach to the private sector, tapping into its resources and expertise in protecting national security. Coker said that the Biden administration is promoting the strategy by emphasizing economic prosperity as part of cybersecurity and national security, CyberScoop reported.

The U.S. cyber lead also discussed his plans to address the gap in the federal cyber workforce, saying that the government and the private sector are complementing each other.

Coker is the second individual to hold the office. In December, the Senate confirmed his nomination to permanently lead as the nation’s cyber chief after a vote of 59-40.