New White House Cybersecurity Czar has Ties to UW Tacoma

On Dec. 22 the White House announced President Obama's choice of Howard Schmidt, one of the world's leading authorities on computer security, to be the White House cybersecurity coordinator, often referred to as the "cybersecurity-czar." Previously, Schmidt was a cyber-advisor for President George W. Bush and headed the Computer Exploitation Team in the FBI's National Drug Intelligence Center.

Schmidt's expertise was vital to the early development of UW Tacoma's Institute of Technology, and to its designation in 2004 as one of 10 national Centers of Excellence in Information and Assurance Education.

He served on the Institute of Technology's Advisory Board and advised the faculty on computer science curriculum concerning security issues.

"Howard encouraged the development of what has evolved into our Information Technology and Systems degree program," said Larry Crum, professor emeritus and founding director of the institute.

Schmidt brings 40 years of experience in government, business and law enforcement to the position, including serving as chief security officer for Microsoft and eBay. He has worked in local and federal law enforcement and with the Department of Defense. He has served as vice chair of the President's Critical Infrastructure Protection Board and special advisor for cyberspace security at the White House. Currently, he is president and CEO of Information Security Forum, an international non-profit focused on cyber risk and research.