Cyber chief to name admired Senate staffer to deputy post, sources say

White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Howard Schmidt is expected soon to name a professional staffer for the Senate's Select Intelligence Committee as his deputy cybersecurity coordinator.

Sameer Bhalotra sent out notes Wednesday night informing people of his move to the White House, according to sources. He has gained deep respect within the ranks of cybersecurity circles as a strong cyber adviser.

"It's a shame to see Sameer leave the Hill and SSCI, but this is a real coup for Howard Schmidt," said James Lewis, a cybersecurity expert and senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Bhalotra has been involved in classified work and has extensive knowledge of the cybersecurity budget. As the key staffer on the Select Intelligence Committee since 2007, he was responsible for the entire cybersecurity budget. He also was a member of the Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency, an advisory group that submitted policy recommendations to the Obama administration. More important, Bhalotra is well-trusted in Congress, and sources say Republicans and Democrats are big fans. Adding him to Schmidt's team is enough reason for Congress to make the White House Network Operations Center a permanent federal office, according to Alan Paller, director of research at the SANS Institute, security training organization.