Lynn was known as a cybersecurity pioneer and as the “father” of US federal information security, having worked 30 years as a federal information security professional.
McNulty served as the first director of information systems security for the State Department, as security program manager for the Federal Aviation Administration, and as a policy liaison for computer security issues between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other federal agencies, Congress, and the private sector.
McNulty also played a role in influencing national security policy on everything from export controls on commercial encryption products to the deployment of public key infrastructure.
After his retirement from government in 1995, McNulty dedicated his efforts to advancing the information security profession, and throughout his career gave a start to countless leaders in the field.
After being diagnosed with diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma in 2011, Lynn underwent several rounds of treatment, including participation in a clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health that allowed him to live actively until approximately a week ago when his health rapidly declined. He leaves behind his wife, Peg, and two daughters, Maureen and Sarah.