Jeff Moss, founder of the Black Hat and DefCon computer hacker conferences, was among 16 that were named to the Department of Homeland Security Advisory Council Friday by secretary Janet Napolitano. Moss, who goes by the handle ‘the Dark Tangent’ says he was surprised to be asked to join the council and that he was nominated to bring an ‘outside perspective’ to its meetings.

“As we work to fulfill the department’s core mission of securing the country against the many threats it faces, the unique insights and expertise of this diverse council will be a valuable resource,” Napolitano said.

Jeff Moss founded the DefCon and Black Hat hacking conferences and had been very prominent in the Usenet scene since the very early beginnings. Through the use of newsgroups, many of his initial followers assisted Moss with his efforts on creating and attending these conferences.

On sitting on the council, Moss said “I know there is a new-found emphasis on cyber security, and they’re looking to diversify the members and to have alternative viewpoints. I think they needed a skeptical outsider’s view because that has been missing.” A significant moment as established government bodies are recognizing that IT security professionals are a valuable source for progress.

The remaining fifteen includes CIA and FBI directors, a Los Angeles County sheriff, Miami mayor, a New York police commissioner, governors of Maryland and Georgia, former Colorado Sen. Gary Hart, and the president of the Navajo Nation. The Homeland Security Advisory Council provides recommendations and advice to the secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano.