Cybersecurity

DHS head says she’s alarmed CISA doesn't know more about Salt Typhoon hacks

“The thing that has alarmed me the most about CISA is the lack of information that they have, the lack of solutions that they have, and how they protect our critical infrastructure,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told members of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Cybersecurity

House appropriators question justification for proposed CISA budget cuts

CISA’s $3 billion budget would see a $491 million cut from what it received in fiscal year 2025. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle wanted more detail on the rationale.

Cybersecurity

Top NSC official wants to normalize offensive hacking as tool of US might

At the RSAC Conference, Alexei Bulazel said hacking back against adversaries could be the new norm for America’s cyber strategy. He signaled support for various federal cyber offices, but acknowledged they’d be geared in the direction of Trump-era goals.

Cybersecurity

‘Just wait’ to see how CISA reforms play out, DHS head tells cyber community

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has vowed to rework America’s core cyber defense agency amid GOP accusations of conservative censorship. Many in the cyber community have deemed the reductions a national security risk.

Cybersecurity

People should be ‘outraged’ by efforts to shrink federal cyber teams, former CISA head says

As adversaries like China continue targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, Chris Krebs says we should "make CISA great again" amid expected cuts mounting inside the cyber agency.

People

South Dakota CIO to become deputy director at CISA

Madhu Gottumukkala will take over a position that has remained vacant since Nitin Natarajan departed the agency in January.

People

CISA officials who led Secure by Design initiative resign

Bob Lord and Lauren Zabierek are the latest to depart the cyber agency, as DOGE-fueled cuts and broader Trump reduction plans have placed it in the crosshairs.

Cybersecurity

CISA warns threat hunting staff of end to Google, Censys contracts as agency cuts set in

“We understand the importance of these tools in our operations and are actively exploring alternative tools to ensure minimal disruption,” said the email sent to several hundred CISA cyber threat hunters.

Cybersecurity

Former cyber official Chris Krebs to leave SentinelOne in bid to fight Trump pressure

“For those who know me, you know I don’t shy away from tough fights. But I also know this is one I need to take on fully — outside of SentinelOne,” Krebs said.

Cybersecurity

CISA extends MITRE-backed CVE contract hours before its lapse

“Last night, CISA executed the option period on the contract to ensure there will be no lapse in critical CVE services,” an agency spokesperson said.

Cybersecurity

Top homeland security lawmaker calls for cautious cuts to CISA

“We have to be very careful about who and what we cut, because [the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency] does have a mission to overwatch our critical infrastructure and make sure the bad guys aren’t getting in,” said Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn.

People

Trump signs order targeting former CISA head Chris Krebs

Krebs previously led the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and contradicted baseless claims President Donald Trump made in 2020 that the election that year was rigged against him.

Cybersecurity

Senator puts hold on Trump cyber nominee, citing ‘cover up’ of telecom security report

An unreleased 2022 report is said to contain vital information about the security posture of the U.S. telecommunications sector, according to Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who is blocking Sean Plankey’s nomination to lead CISA.

People

CISA to make comprehensive staff cuts in coming days, people familiar say

The nation’s premier cybersecurity agency, which sits in the Department of Homeland Security, has been in the Trump administration’s crosshairs for some time.

People

Former election security official announces run for Congress in New York

Cait Conley is running on a Democrat platform to challenge Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in next year’s midterms. She is a combat veteran and served as CISA’s top election security advisor during the 2024 cycle.

People

CISA's chief AI officer resigned last month

The departure of Lisa Einstein at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency raises questions about the future of artificial intelligence within the agency. 

People

CISA works to contact probationary employees for reinstatement after court order

Trump officials have vowed to downsize the nation’s leading cybersecurity agency. Ex-officials have said the moves would be harmful to national security.

Cybersecurity

What’s next for cybersecurity, election info sharing?

Federal funding has been slashed by $10 million for two information sharing centers, which both have tens of thousands of members. A more fragmented and expensive future could follow as states and others go it alone.

Cybersecurity

Top House cyber lawmaker to press DHS on key infrastructure group’s shutdown

Industry representatives say the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council has been a valuable information-sharing tool. It was disbanded last week under an order from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

People

Trump taps Sean Plankey to head CISA

Plankey served at the Energy Department and National Security Council during Trump’s first term.