Federal 100: Chris Smith

Chris Smith
CIO
Agriculture Department

Chris Smith led USDA through the civilian government’s first test of the Einstein 3 technology that's designed to help detect and respond to cyberattacks. The effort required collaborating with the Homeland Security Department, the National Security Agency and USDA’s Networx service provider.

Because it works by monitoring e-mail traffic coming into or out of government networks, Einstein has raised concerns about domestic spying, especially given NSA’s involvement. However, DHS remains committed to the program.

Smith put his reputation on the line to ease privacy concerns and get the system running. Although much of Smith's work is classified, he is credited with making the exercise a success and providing a model for other agencies to emulate.

Read more about the 2011 Federal 100 award winners.