Palo Alto Networks adds trio of federal cyber vets as advisers

Palo Alto Networks said Thursday it has brought onboard three former top federal cybersecurity officials to advise the company on security and technology trends in both the U.S. and international government sectors. 

Retired National Security Agency Deputy Director Richard “Rick” Ledgett and former State Department top cyber official Christopher have joined the Palo Alto Networks Public Sector Advisory Council.

In addition, retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael Brown has been appointed as a strategic adviser to help Palo Alto Networks connect with senior cyber leaders in the U.S. and international governments.

The council acts as Palo Alto Networks’ sounding board for its roadmap and vision for technology in the global public sector, as well as strategy and policy relevant to global cybersecurity.

Ledgett is a 29-year NSA veteran who retired in April 2017 after three years as its second-highest official, while Painter formerly served as the country’s lead cybersecurity diplomat and established the State Department’s Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues.

Painter’s government service career also includes roles such as senior director for cybersecurity for the White House National Security Council, principal deputy chief for the computer crime and intellectual property section at the Justice Department, and deputy assistant director of the FBI's cyber division.

During his service, Brown led the standup of the Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity capabilities and acted as DHS’ senior cybersecurity representative to the U.S. Cyber Command.