Letting civilian agencies take charge is 'the correct thing to do,' Alexander said. Cyber chief: Civilians must lead

The leader of U.S. Cyber Command, Gen. Keith Alexander, said Monday that letting civilian agencies lead the charge on domestic cybersecurity information sharing is “the correct thing to do.”

Alexander, who also serves as head of the National Security Agency, said during a panel discussion it would be important for the Department of Homeland Security to hold the reins because it allows “the transparency which I think the American people need in this area.”


Alexander made the remarks at an event on cybersecurity held by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

The general said the plans backed by the White House and weighed by the Senate strike the right balance in streamlining information-sharing among agencies and companies, a process in which NSA would remain a leading player.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), also on the panel Monday, agreed. The co-sponsor of the Senate’s top cyber bill said DHS cannot accomplish its goals “without the help of NSA,” adding that the agency “is always going to be the expert.”