Established by Congress in 2021, the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) advises the President of the United States on cybersecurity policy and strategy. More specifically, ONCD’s mission is to advance national security, economic prosperity, and technological innovation through cybersecurity policy leadership. In carrying out its directive, ONCD works closely with White House and interagency partners, as well as with all levels of government, the U.S.’s international allies and partners, non-profits, academia, and the private sector, to shape and coordinate federal cybersecurity policy.

Recently, ONCD released the White House’s new National Cybersecurity Strategy. Although many of the Strategy’s proposed changes will hinge on congressional action, if implemented by Congress and the administration, the Strategy would have significant consequences for certain businesses, including owners and operators of critical infrastructure, software developers, cloud providers, government contractors, and businesses that handle personal information. Therefore, understanding the Strategy and its potential implications accordingly will be key for companies across all sectors.

To discuss the National Cybersecurity Strategy, we welcome James Halpert, a renowned cybersecurity expert and privacy lawyer. In August 2022, Mr. Halpert was appointed General Counsel of the Office of the National Cyber Director. Prior to taking this role, he was partner in the law firm DLA Piper, where he built the firm’s cybersecurity practice, advised dozens of clients on their cybersecurity programs, and counseled clients through more than 700 security incidents. Mr. Halpert helped draft almost all the state private, security, and breach notice laws enacted over the past 15 years, the National Association of Corporate Directors Cyber Risk Handbook, and two major U.S. federal privacy laws. Mr. Halpert is an honors graduate of Yale College, Harvard Law School, and also studied in Paris

Related Resources

About James Halpert

Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces National Cybersecurity Strategy (whitehouse.gov, March 2023)

National Cybersecurity Strategy (whitehouse.gov, March 2023)