Cybersecurity official abruptly steps down

The head of the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team has abruptly resigned after a spate of attacks on government networks, according to an agency e-mail obtained by Tech Daily Dose.

US-CERT Director Randy Vickers resigned Friday. Current deputy director Lee Rock will serve as interim director until the Department of Homeland Security names a successor, according to an internal agency e-mail sent by Bobbie Stempfley, acting assistant secretary for cybersecurity and communications, to US-CERT staff. The e-mail did not explain why Vickers left.

InformationWeek first reported Vickers's resignation.

The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team, a division of DHS, is tasked with protecting the government from cyber attacks, and collaborating with state and local governments and the private industry. Hackers have recently targeted government websites at the Senate, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the CIA, as well as the Gmail accounts of top government officials.

DHS officials have not publicly commented or announced Vickers's departure.