Homeland Security to unveil cybersecurity nominee

The Homeland Security Department is planning a public presentation on cybersecurity for mid-September, at which time a new cybersecurity director will be announced, government sources told Technology Daily.

The department formally has submitted a nominee to the White House and is waiting for the necessary background checks to be completed, confirmed Brian Roehrkasse, department spokesman.

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge first disclosed that the department had settled on a candidate during an Aug. 3 appearance on the television program "Meet the Press."

"We've delivered the name," Ridge told interviewer Tim Russert. Once approved, "we'll get him to work immediately," he added.

Plans for the cybersecurity position at Homeland Security have been closely guarded by the administration. Industry representatives have expressed concern that they were not briefed on the nomination process or potential nominees.