Report: Gov’t Cybersecurity Chief to Quit

The U.S. government’s point man for internet security Richard Clarke will
quit next month and look for work in the private sector because of
dissatisfaction with positions offered to him in the new Department of
Homeland Security, the Reuters news agency reported Wednesday.

Quoting industry and government sources, Reuters said Clarke will step
down after presenting the final version of the comprehensive National Strategy to Secure
Cyberspace plan, a document that will set government policies to
encourage Internet security practices among business, government and
individuals.

The report said Clarke was unsatisfied with the new positions offered
him, as they would be a step down from his current role as national point
man for cybersecurity efforts.

An early draft of Clarke’s plan was leaked to the
media earlier this month. Among other things, it calls for the new
Homeland Security Department to develop plans for securing the country’s
networks. It also warns that the Administration reserves the right to engage
in cyber warfare.

Clarke’s resignation is sure to hurt the government’s controversial plan
to incorporate new technologies and online surveillance in the fight against
global terrorism.

Clarke, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was
hired in October 2001 by the Bush administration and charged with protecting
the nation’s telecommunications and information technology infrastructure
against a terrorist attack.

Prior to the appointment as Security Czar, Clarke was National
Coordinator for Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Counter-terrorism.

It is not clear if Clarke will also give up his post the president’s
National Security Council. One name likely to pop up among replacements is
that of Gen. Wayne A. Downing, who replaced Clarke as counter-terrorism
chief.