New U.S. cybersecurity czar to be named this week?

Slammed repeatedly by members of Congress and the security industry for its perceived shortcomings, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security appears poised to appoint a top cybersecurity official at last.

The department plans to tap Greg Garcia, currently vice President for information security policy and programs at the Information Technology Association of America as its first assistant secretary for cybersecurity and telecommunications, an unnamed official told the Associated Press on Monday.

According to a news release announcing Garcia's hiring by the Virginia-based technology trade association in 2003, he has filled posts both in the public sector, as a staffer for a U.S. House of Representatives science and research panel, and in the private sector, as head of government relations for 3Com Corporation, which makes networking equipment.

DHS representatives did not respond to requests for comment from CNET News.com on Monday. The AP said a formal announcement of Garcia's appointment is expected later in the week.

The assistant secretary post has remained vacant ever since it was created in July 2005 by Secretary Michael Chertoff as part of a department restructuring effort. Amidst an outcry from onlookers, the department said it has struggled to find candidates that fit its needs and are willing to accept fewer perks than the private sector may offer.