Google confirmed that has been hired but declined to say what position she will hold.

"Regina is a technical pioneer who brought the future of technology to the military during her time at DARPA," said a Google spokeswoman, in an email to Computerworld. "She will be a real asset to Google and we are thrilled she is joining the team."

Ezra Gottheil, an analyst with Technology Business Research, said luring Dugan away from the Pentagon is a big coup for Google.

"This is good because Google has to care a lot about cybersecurity," he said. "They have a high level of concern. A single broad breach would ruin their Google Apps business. And well, Google looks to hire very smart people with deep engineering knowledge. I also would assume that she's a strong manager and spokesperson."

Dugan has served as the 19th director of DARPA since she took the position on July 20, 2009. DARPA, the research arm of the Department of Defense, was created more than 50 years ago to develop new technology for the U.S. military.