Cybersecurity Veteran Marci McCarthy Joins CISA as Public Affairs Director

A new voice for CISA

Marci McCarthy, a well-known figure in the security community, has taken a new job as Director of Public Affairs at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). She brings decades of experience and a wide network to an agency whose mission is protecting America’s critical infrastructure, and whose public messaging matters more than ever.

At a glance

• Marci McCarthy appointed as Director of Public Affairs at CISA: McCarthy brings over 25 years of cybersecurity expertise to her new role.
• Key player in cybersecurity: McCarthy is the founder and CEO of T.E.N., an information security executive networking firm.
• Focus on communication: The hire signals that CISA sees clear communication as part of its security mission.
• Expanding CISA’s reach: CISA wants to reach more of the public with clear information on security issues.

Who Marci McCarthy is

McCarthy is well known in the security world. As the founder and CEO of T.E.N., an established information security executive networking firm, she has spent years connecting security leaders around the world. With over 25 years of experience, she has helped shape conversations about security problems and solutions and has mentored many people in the industry.

Why public affairs matters for CISA

The appointment shows CISA wants stronger public affairs. That matters. Explaining threats clearly to the public, partners and industry is a big part of the agency’s job, and McCarthy’s experience connecting technical experts with broader audiences should help CISA translate complex security issues into plain language people can act on.

What she is expected to do

CISA wants to expand its reach through clearer, more strategic communication. McCarthy’s job will be crafting messages that work for very different audiences, from policymakers to the general public, and promoting programs that teach good security habits.

How the appointment was received

Many in the security community welcomed the news.

McCarthy has spoken about wanting to shape public conversation on security and encourage cooperation across sectors.

What changes at CISA

McCarthy’s appointment as Director of Public Affairs opens a new chapter for CISA’s public outreach. Her experience should help the agency reach people who rarely think about security. If it works, more Americans will understand the threats they face and what to do about them.

John King, CISSP, PMP, CISM

John King currently works in the greater Los Angeles area as a ISSO (Information Systems Security Officer). John has a passion for learning and developing his cyber security skills through education, hands on work, and studying for IT certifications.