A Shift in U. S. Tech Security Leadership

The U. S. Commerce Department has seen a change in leadership within a key office focused on tech security. Elizabeth "Liz" Cannon, who headed the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) office, has stepped down. This office, established in 2022, was tasked with investigating threats to the supply chain from foreign adversaries, particularly China. Cannon's departure follows a decision by the department to drop plans for restricting Chinese drones. This move raised eyebrows, given the potential risks of U. S. adversaries accessing and manipulating these devices, which could expose sensitive U. S. data. Additionally, the office has not yet addressed concerns about medium and heavy-duty truck exports, despite finalizing rules under former President Joe Biden that effectively barred Chinese passenger vehicles from the U. S. market.A spokesperson for the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), under which the ICTS office falls, stated that the bureau is committed to addressing national security risks from foreign technology. They mentioned that recent staffing changes aim to strengthen the office and ensure it continues to serve the American people effectively. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Cannon would have been reassigned if she had not resigned. The new administration plans to appoint a political figure to the position. Her last day is expected to be February 20. This leadership change raises questions about the direction of U. S. tech security policies. With a new administration in place, the focus on protecting the supply chain from foreign threats, particularly from China, may shift. The appointment of a political figure to head the ICTS office could signal a change in approach, potentially prioritizing political interests over technical expertise.