Steady leadership prepares TSA to face evolving cyber threats

New presidents bring new policies. But amid rapidly expanding cyber threats, steady leadership at the federal agencies charged with securing critical infrastructure is, well, critical.

David Pekoske, a retired U.S. Coast Guard vice admiral and administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, is uniquely positioned to provide that leadership. Congress showed foresight in 2018 by creating five-year terms for TSA administrators, ensuring stability for the agency’s long-term planning. With dozens of government cyber leaders departing as President-elect Donald Trump appoints his new team, Pekoske’s steadfast commitment to remain in his role until 2027 provides continuity to secure America’s transportation sector against national security threats.

Before his initial nomination by Trump to lead TSA in 2017, transportation cybersecurity lacked the prominence and urgency it holds today. Digital technologies had already begun transforming transportation systems, increasing efficiency but also creating new vulnerabilities. The integration of energy supply chains with surface transportation adds to TSA’s responsibility as the federal lead on pipeline cybersecurity. But Pekoske brought sharp focus to cybersecurity following the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in May 2021.