Peiter “Mudge” Zatko, the former Twitter security chief and “executive in residence” at cybersecurity firm Rapid7, has taken on a new role as a senior technical adviser at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Zatko, who gained recognition as a member of the L0pht hacking collective, will now play a part-time role in helping the Biden administration implement “secure by design” products.
Zatko first rose to prominence in 1998 when he testified before a Senate committee as a member of the L0pht hacking collective, highlighting security concerns during one of the first congressional cybersecurity hearings. He has been an outspoken advocate for cybersecurity and has taken several actions to address security issues.
In recent years, Zatko made headlines as a whistleblower when he filed a complaint against Twitter with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Justice Department, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In his complaint, he alleged that Twitter executives had deceived federal regulators and violated the terms of an FTC security agreement. Zatko’s testimony before the Senate last September shed light on these allegations.
Now, in his new role at CISA, Zatko will assist in the implementation of the Biden administration’s plans to enforce “secure by design” products. CISA Director Jen Easterly expressed the agency’s need for individuals with exceptional expertise to lead conversations and identify the necessary measures to achieve cybersecurity accountability.
The aim of both CISA and the National Cybersecurity Strategy is to hold technology vendors responsible for cybersecurity, rather than placing the burden solely on business leaders, customers, and security professionals. Zatko’s experience and expertise in the field of cybersecurity make him a valuable addition to the team.
Zatko expressed his excitement and commitment to the role in a statement, saying, “I am honored to formally return to public service and work with CISA on the critical cybersecurity issues we face, including enabling secure-by-design principles to be accessible, measurable, and adopted by government and industry alike.” He emphasized that his mission has always been to advance the field of cybersecurity and serve the public to the best of his abilities, regardless of his position or sector.
The hiring of Zatko by CISA highlights the agency’s dedication to combating cybersecurity threats and ensuring the security of the nation’s infrastructure. By bringing in experts like Zatko, CISA aims to strengthen its capabilities and address the evolving cybersecurity landscape effectively.
Zatko’s appointment comes at a time when cybersecurity threats are on the rise, with numerous high-profile attacks targeting critical infrastructure and businesses. The need for robust and resilient cybersecurity measures has never been greater, and Zatko’s experience and knowledge will undoubtedly contribute to the development and implementation of effective strategies.
As cybersecurity continues to be a pressing concern, Zatko’s role at CISA signifies the government’s commitment to fortifying the country’s defenses and working towards a more secure digital landscape. With his background and expertise, Zatko is well-equipped to make significant contributions to the agency’s mission.
In conclusion, Peiter “Mudge” Zatko’s appointment as a senior technical adviser at CISA demonstrates the agency’s dedication to enhancing cybersecurity and implementing secure-by-design principles. His wealth of experience and knowledge will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping and executing effective cybersecurity strategies. With the ever-increasing cybersecurity threats faced by the nation, the expertise of individuals like Zatko is vital in safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the security of government and industry systems.