Beckstrom is perhaps best known for starting Twiki.net, a company that provides collaboration software for businesses. He is also the co-author of The Starfish and The Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations, a book about the power of decentralized networks. The book was co-authored with Ori Brafman in 2006.

According to Michael Chertoff, Homeland Security Secretary, Beckstrom will work on coordinating cyber security efforts and improving situational awareness and information sharing across the US federal government.

Chertoff said the NCSC will work with the interagency to implement cyber security strategies in a cohesive way, consistent with privacy laws. The department is leading efforts to protect federal networks and enhance capabilities that defend and reduce cyber-associated risks.

“He brings to the department a specialized Internet expertise and unique entrepreneurial and creative business thinking,” Chertoff said. “We look forward to working with Congress on the development of the NCSC.”