Monterey Cyber Security Initiative Welcomes Renowned Cyber Expert Dr. Linton Wells II

Demonstrating its commitment to leading the intersection of international relations and cyberspace issues on security, peace, and communications, the Monterey Cyber Security Initiative (MCySec) is pleased to welcome Dr. Linton Wells II as a distinguished senior research fellow.

With more than two decades of experience in senior-executive leadership positions in U.S. national security affairs, Dr. Wells is a major addition to MCySec. “I’m delighted and honored that Lin has chosen to join us,” said MCySec Director Dr. Itamara Lochard. “His reputation, dedication, and collegiality match his superb resume. His capacity to address both the hard security and humanitarian aspects of cyber makes him a perfect match for our interdisciplinary approach.”

Dr. Wells has held positions at the U.S. Department of Defense including chief information officer (CIO) and acting assistant secretary of defense for networks and information integration. In these roles he oversaw the Defense Department’s $30 billion budget for information technology and related areas and was responsible for enhancing the department’s networked capabilities and support structures. From 2010 to 2014 he was a distinguished research professor at U.S. National Defense University where he also directed the Center for Technology and National Security Policy. Here he initiated the Transformative Innovation for Development and Emergency Support (TIDES) that promotes sustainable assistance to impoverished, post-disaster or post-war populations worldwide.

Dr. Wells transitioned from federal service in June 2014 after 51 years with the U.S. Department of Defense. At MCySec, his current research efforts focus on the relationships between cyberspace issues and Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4), as well as how cyberspace issues may impact, assist, or thwart humanitarian assistance or disaster relief efforts.

Dr. Wells was born in Luanda, Angola. He earned a B.S. in physics and oceanography from United States Naval Academy in 1967 and served 26 years in the U.S. Navy. He also holds an M.S. in engineering in mathematical sciences and a Ph.D. in international relations from Johns Hopkins University. He is a three-time recipient of the U.S. Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. For more information, see the full biography of Dr. Wells.