White House Taps Former eBay, Microsoft Exec as New 'Cyber Czar'

The White House announced Tuesday that Howard Schmidt, a former executive at eBay and Microsoft, will become the administration's new cybersecurity coordinator. Schmidt's selection comes at the end of a long process in which several other candidates turned down the job. President Obama is expected to announce the appointment Tuesday.

Schmidt is an Internet security expert who, along with working for major Web-based companies, founded a security consulting firm. He was named one of the 50 most influential people in business information technology by Baseline magazine.

Obama highlighted cybersecurity as a priority of his administration 10 months ago and ordered a government review of the issue. The report was completed in the spring, and the president announced that he would appoint a coordinator to head cybersecurity efforts. Government officials say Obama was personally involved in the selection process and chose Schmidt because of his unique skill set.

The "cyber czar" will report to the National Security Council and the National Economic Council, and will have direct access to the president.