The New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) has tapped Chris Desain to serve as New York’s new chief information security officer (CISO).
Desain will be tasked with “monitoring and maintaining the security of the state’s information systems and data from cyber intrusions and attack,” according to the press release, and will serve as CISO effective immediately.
“With his wealth of experience and passion for cyber, Chris Desain will be an extraordinary addition to our team, and will continue to ensure that cybersecurity is a priority all throughout New York,” said NYS ITS Chief information Officer Angelo ‘Tony’ Riddick.
“It is more important than ever that our state is prepared for and can quickly respond to today’s ever-growing and ever-evolving cyber challenges, and Chris Desain can do just that,” he added.
Desain has over 24 years of experience at various organizations and agencies including the New York State Police, where he helped build a cyber program. He has also served as the director of Cyber Command at ITS. Most recently, Desain worked as the director for the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Office of Counter Terrorism Cyber Incident Response Team.
Desain is replacing Karen Sorady, who retired as CISO in December 2021.
