President Trump’s nominee for national cyber director, Sean Cairncross, may lack technical cybersecurity experience — but his political savvy and management background could make him more effective in the role than some expect.

Why the Position Matters

The Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) was created by Congress to oversee and unify federal cyber policy. The idea was to centralize leadership in an increasingly fragmented digital security landscape. However, this vision has been challenged by competing interests among federal agencies.

A Political Insider Steps In

Sean Cairncross, a former Republican National Committee executive, testified before Congress for the first time regarding his nomination. While the hearing was unusually brief and shared with four other nominees, Cairncross took the spotlight.

He emphasized his role would focus more on coordination than innovation, a shift from his predecessors, Chris Inglis and Harry Coker, who brought deeper cybersecurity credentials.

What Cairncross Brings to the Table

Acknowledging his limited technical background, Cairncross highlighted his experience in managing large teams and significant budgets. “I have run thousands of people and billions of dollars in funds,” he told lawmakers. He stressed his strength lies in surrounding himself with experts and trusting their guidance.

He also pointed to past experience dealing with foreign cyber threats in coordination with the FBI and intelligence agencies. As cyber director, his top goal would be to streamline and coordinate cyber policy across government.

The Need for Focus, Not Overreach

Cairncross warned against trying to do too much with ONCD. “If ONCD tries to do everything, it will be ineffective,” he wrote in his testimony. Instead, he called for prioritized, strategic goals and better alignment between agencies. That includes working closely with the Office of Management and Budget on cybersecurity efforts.

Tackling the Maze of Cyber Regulations

Under the Biden administration, ONCD’s main challenge was to harmonize cybersecurity regulations across agencies — no small feat. A 2023 Department of Homeland Security report identified 52 different cyberattack reporting requirements. ONCD responded by publishing a 65-page document outlining the regulatory chaos.

Why Political Capital May Matter More

Despite skepticism about his qualifications, some experts argue Cairncross’ legal and political background could be an asset — especially when it comes to simplifying complex, bureaucratic systems. His close ties to the president could give ONCD the White House access that past cyber leaders lacked.

Building Support Behind the Scenes

Cairncross has been actively meeting lawmakers and industry executives, including during last month’s RSA Conference. Two dozen prominent figures, including former National Cyber Director Chris Inglis and ex-NSA deputy director George Barnes, endorsed his nomination in a letter to the Senate.

What’s Next

The Senate Homeland Security Committee will vote next week on whether to advance Cairncross' nomination. Meanwhile, Trump’s nominee for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Sean Plankey, is still awaiting a hearing.