Icann taps DefCon founder for top security spot

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) has named Jeff Moss as its new chief security officer.

A security expert and respected member of the hacking community, Moss is best known for his roles in founding the DefCon and Black Hat security conferences. He has also worked in advisory positions for the US Department of Homeland Security.

The appointment will bring to Icann a security head who is well-versed in the attitudes and techniques which have driven research in security intrusion and detection in recent years.

The hiring also comes at a time when Icann and other internet governance groups are working to roll out security measures such as DNSSEC.

"I can think of no one with a greater understanding of the security threats facing internet users and how best to defend against them than Jeff Moss," said Icann president and chief executive Rod Beckstrom.

"He has the in-depth insider's knowledge that can only come from fighting in the trenches of the ongoing war against cyber threats."

The hiring is also earning praise within the security community. Dave Marcus, a DefCon veteran and head of research and communications for McAfee Labs, hailed the move as "a great appointment" for Icann.

"They are bringing in someone who has an understanding of it from a completely different perspective," Marcus told V3.co.uk.

"He understands how the internet can be used in positive and negative ways, and up until now they have not had a positive approach to deal with things like cyber crime."

Icann said that Moss will begin working with the group on 29 April at its offices in Washington DC.