Harry Coker, the outgoing National Cyber Director, has called for urgent changes to strengthen the U.S. against increasing cyber threats. Speaking at an event hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, D.C., Coker outlined three key priorities: increased funding, streamlined regulations, and opening cybersecurity jobs to people without college degrees.
Coker emphasized that adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran are constantly targeting U.S. digital infrastructure. “Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority in federal budgets,” he said, acknowledging the challenge of balancing this with efforts to reduce the national deficit.
Despite these financial constraints, Coker highlighted the critical importance of protecting the nation from digital attacks. “I hope future administrations recognize the urgency of cybersecurity,” he said.
Reducing Regulatory Burdens
Coker also criticized the overwhelming regulatory demands placed on cybersecurity professionals. He noted that many in the field spend 30-50% of their time dealing with compliance issues instead of focusing on preventing cyberattacks.
“We need to simplify these regulations,” he stated, mentioning bipartisan efforts in Congress to create a more unified framework. Although these proposed changes have not yet become law, Coker expressed hope that future administrations will push them forward to better support private sector partners.
China’s Cyberattacks Highlight the Urgency
Coker’s remarks come in the wake of a significant cyberattack known as “Salt Typhoon,” where Chinese hackers infiltrated nine U.S. telecommunications companies. They gained access to private messages, phone calls, and even wiretap information from the Justice Department. This breach revealed which Chinese spies the U.S. had identified, potentially compromising national security.
China was also behind a major hack on the Treasury Department, accessing unclassified documents and employee systems. Additionally, earlier this year, Chinese hackers intercepted communications from Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo during critical decisions about technology export controls.
Addressing the Talent Gap
Coker pointed out another critical issue: the cybersecurity workforce shortage. “There are nearly 500,000 unfilled cyber jobs in the U.S.,” he said. To address this, the federal government is shifting its hiring focus from college degrees to skills.
“By removing the four-year degree requirement, we expand the talent pool,” Coker explained. He stressed that many Americans could gain necessary skills through shorter, more affordable programs, helping bridge the gap in the cybersecurity workforce.
Coker’s vision sets a clear path for strengthening America’s defenses against future cyber threats.
