Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Strategy, Policy, and Plans
Robert Silvers was confirmed by the Senate as the Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans on August 5, 2021. He is responsible for driving policy and implementation plans across all of DHS’s missions, including counterterrorism; cybersecurity, infrastructure security, and resilience; border security and immigration; international affairs; and trade and economic security.
Mr. Silvers previously served in the Department of Homeland Security during the Obama-Biden Administration as Assistant Secretary for Cyber Policy. In that role he oversaw private sector engagement, federal government incident response, and diplomatic outreach pertaining to cybersecurity and emerging technology. Mr. Silvers also previously served as DHS’s Deputy Chief of Staff, managing execution of policy and operational priorities across the entire Department.
Silvers led key cyber diplomatic initiatives with a range of countries, negotiating agreements with cyber authorities from China, India, Israel, Japan, EU countries, and others. Silvers was also at the forefront of the Obama Administration’s efforts to bolster Internet of Things security, engaging with industry leaders and regulators to develop best practices guidance for internet-connected devices and systems.
Before joining DHS, Mr. Silvers was an attorney at the international law firm O’Melveny & Myers LLP, where he handled complex transnational disputes and investigative matters for his clients. Mr. Silvers also served as a law clerk to the Hon. Kim McLane Wardlaw of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Mr. Silvers holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law, where he was named Dean’s Scholar, and a B.A. summa cum laude in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania.
Publications/Media/Affiliations of Robert Silvers
- https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-official-warns-against-efforts-to-defy-forced-labor-crackdown-11668714008
- https://about.bgov.com/news/homeland-security-nerve-center-chief-seeks-broad-policy-sway/
- https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/taiwan-detects-46-chinese-aircraft-4-naval-vessels-in-neighbourhood-122110600724_1.html
- https://news.bloomberglaw.com/privacy-and-data-security/insight-cybercrime-is-rising-how-to-protect-your-financial-firm
- https://www.steptoecyberblog.com/2016/10/24/steptoe-cyberlaw-podcast-interview-with-robert-silvers/
- https://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/defence/world-cup-building-a-defensive-wall-against-the-rogue-drones
- https://www.cisa.gov/cyber-safety-review-board
- https://www.iflr.com/article/2ar10we0z3bue6rh8uqyo/q-a-robert-silvers-undersecretary-for-policy-at-the-us-department-of-homeland-security
Publications/Conferences/Websites/Affiliations
Aspen Summit, Cyber Tech Conference NYC, National Association of Corporate Directors
Areas of Expertise
Counterterrorism; cybersecurity, infrastructure security, and resilience; border security and immigration; international affairs; and trade and economic security; incident response