Colin Ahern takes over that job after serving as the state’s chief cyber officer since 2022. According to a statement, he will “provide strategic direction and further unify the state’s security assets on national security and intelligence matters.”
The DSI will coordinate the state’s cyber defenses in response to “global risks,” as well as boosting relevant technology.
Though the statement made no mention of the new Iran conflict, his appointment comes as concerns rise that the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign could lead to cyber retaliation from Iran.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority, and the threats we face are more complex and interconnected than ever before, which is why we need to be aggressive, innovative and adaptive in the way we combat new threats and adversaries,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in the statement.
Ahern reports to Director of State Operations Jackie Bray.
The statement says that Ahern’s job will involve a focus on “whole-of-state” responses to threats, reflecting a larger trend in the government technology world of cybersecurity coordination among various agencies. Other areas of responsibility include drones “and other technologies crucial to national security.”
Ahern has two decades of experience in security and intelligence, including service as a U.S. Army officer with two tours in Afghanistan, senior cybersecurity engineer for First Data, and deputy and acting chief information security officer for New York City. He also held leadership roles for NYC Cyber Command.
Michaela Lee takes over as acting chief cyber officer until a permanent replacement comes aboard.
