The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finally named a leader for its cybersecurity efforts on Monday, fulfilling a promise made last July by an agency that has drawn poor marks for digital security.Gregory Garcia has been named assistant secretary for cybersecurity and telecommunications, according to a statement released late Monday from Michael Chertoff, secretary of homeland security. Chertoff announced plans to create the position in July 2005, but it had remained empty despite pressure from the IT industry to fill it.Some observers have slammed the DHS for a lack of readiness to deal with threats against the country’s IT infrastructure. The DHS was created in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.Garcia comes to the DHS from the Information Technology Association of America, where he was vice president for information security policy and programs. He has also been secretary for the IT Sector Coordinating Council, a group involved in collaboration between industry and the DHS. “He brings both industry and government experience to bear,” said Shannon Kellogg, director of government and industry affairs with EMC’s RSA division. “He has a lot of IT experience, but he also has telecom experience, and he’s worked on the Hill.”Garcia’s appointment is a “very positive sign” that DHS is going to finally give cybersecurity the attention it deserves, Kellogg added. Earlier, Garcia worked on the staff of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science for the majority Republican Party and helped to draft and enact the Cyber Security Research and Development Act of 2002. Garcia has also worked with the Americans for Computer Privacy and the American Electronics Association. He has a bachelor of science degree from San Jose State University in California.-Stephen Lawson, IDG News Service (San Francisco Bureau)(Robert McMillan of the IDG News Service contributed to this story.)Related Links:Sept. 11 Attacks Spur Security Changes WorldwideLawmakers: U.S. Lacks Cybersecurity LeadershipKeep checking in at our CSO Security Feed page for updated news coverage. Related content feature Top cybersecurity M&A deals for 2023 Fears of recession, rising interest rates, mass tech layoffs, and conservative spending trends are likely to make dealmakers cautious, but an ever-increasing need to defend against bigger and faster attacks will likely keep M&A activity steady in By CSO Staff Sep 22, 2023 24 mins Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions brandpost Unmasking ransomware threat clusters: Why it matters to defenders Similar patterns of behavior among ransomware treat groups can help security teams better understand and prepare for attacks By Joan Goodchild Sep 21, 2023 3 mins Cybercrime news analysis China’s offensive cyber operations support “soft power” agenda in Africa Researchers track Chinese cyber espionage intrusions targeting African industrial sectors. By Michael Hill Sep 21, 2023 5 mins Advanced Persistent Threats Cyberattacks Critical Infrastructure brandpost Proactive OT security requires visibility + prevention You cannot protect your operation by simply watching and waiting. It is essential to have a defense-in-depth approach. By Austen Byers Sep 21, 2023 4 mins Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe