In February 2002, leaders of what is now the PCD, authored a letter to the President of the United States. This letter expressed deep concern over the growing risk to our nation from a cyber attack that could devastate the national psyche and economy more broadly than did the September 11th attack. Fifty-four experienced cyber security researchers and leaders signed the letter, which was then sent to the White House.

The White House invited the letter signers to review the President's draft "National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace." This invitation, and the realization of the need to participate with our government in a continuing process, led to the formation of the PCD and the creation of a PCD National Strategy Review Panel.

On September 18, 2002, this panel, consisting of a dozen professionals, convened at Stanford University to review and comment on the President's draft strategy. The group voted at that time to form the Professionals for Cyber Defense (PCD) as a non-profit group. The PCD incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization on February 5, 2003 in the District of Columbia.