NSA Cyber Chief to Retire at End of Month, Sources Say

Dave Luber, the head of the National Security Agency's cybersecurity directorate, is set to retire from his position at the end of May, according to two people familiar with the matter. This news comes as a significant shake-up in the intelligence community, which has undergone several workforce changes under the Trump administration.

Luber, who has served in the NSA for nearly 40 years, took over leading the agency's cybersecurity division last year after his predecessor, Rob Joyce, retired that February. For some time, there were rumblings that Luber was considering retirement, one of the sources revealed. The departure of a high-ranking official like Luber marks another significant change within the NSA, which has been facing scrutiny for its workforce reductions and restructuring efforts.

The Trump administration's plans to slash bloat and wasteful spending in the government have led to targeted workforce reductions across various spy agencies, including signals intelligence collection titan. The moves have been widely condemned by former officials, who argue that these changes compromise national security and undermine the effectiveness of these critical agencies.

Luber's planned retirement comes as the agency is undergoing significant transformation efforts, including the recent firing of its director, Gen. Timothy Haugh and his deputy, Wendy Noble. Soon after, Luber and Cyber Command Executive Director Morgan Adamski were pulled from participating in the RSAC Conference in San Francisco that was held in late April.

The Record, a news service of threat intelligence company Recorded Future, first reported Luber's plan to retire, citing that his deputy and the directorate's chief operating officer are also departing. The exact circumstances surrounding their departures remain unclear. The NSA did not immediately return a request for comment on Luber's retirement or the upcoming changes within the agency.

A Long and Distinguished Career

Luber has had a storied career at the NSA, serving in various leadership roles that demonstrate his commitment to the agency's mission. His previous posts include deputy director of cybersecurity at NSA, executive director of U.S. Cyber Command, director of NSA's Colorado unit, and other key assignments in cyber operations.

Luber has been a strong voice on several critical issues within the intelligence community, including Chinese hacking events, which have emerged as a paramount U.S. threat in cyberspace. In a discussion at a recent Billington event last year, Luber highlighted the evolving nature of these threats and emphasized their potential for disruption or destruction.

A Focus on Cybersecurity Development

Throughout his career, Luber has been dedicated to supporting early career development opportunities for agency analysts. In an earlier statement this year at the Billington State and Local Cybersecurity Summit, he underscored the importance of these initiatives, saying: "Throughout a person's career cycle at the NSA, we look at all the different opportunities available to help them continue developing their skills, leadership, and talent."

This commitment to workforce development reflects Luber's vision for the future of cybersecurity within the NSA. His departure marks an important turning point in this journey, as his successor must navigate the complex landscape of evolving threats and emerging technologies.