Workforce at CISA reduced by approximately one-quarter as of now
CISA Faces Significant Personnel Changes Amidst Cybersecurity Challenges
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been undergoing a period of transformation, with notable changes in its workforce.
In a recent development, CISA has welcomed its first senior political appointee, Deputy Director Madhu Gottumukkala. However, the agency has also seen a significant number of employees depart, including many top-level and mid-level career officials.
According to reports, the Cybersecurity Division of CISA, the agency's largest, has lost close to 200 employees, bringing the division's strength down to around 800 people. The team of Cybersecurity Advisers, who help connect companies with federal resources, has decreased from around 164 people nationwide to about 97.
These departures, coupled with buyouts, early retirements, and layoffs, have resulted in a CISA workforce of approximately 2,200 employees. The most recent round of departures saw more than 600 employees leaving the agency.
Despite these changes, CISA continues to focus on its statutory mission to secure the nation's critical infrastructure and strengthen cyber defense. CISA Executive Director Bridget Bean argues that the agency remains well-positioned to fulfill its core responsibilities.
Bean emphasised, "We have the right team in place at CISA to fulfill our mission and be prepared for a range of cyber threats from adversaries."
The Trump administration's campaign to purge the federal workforce has been a contributing factor to the exodus of employees from CISA, with approximately 1,000 employees leaving the agency.
As CISA navigates these changes, it is preparing for the confirmation hearing of Trump's nominee to lead the agency, Sean Plankey, which is set to take place on Thursday.
CISA was created to be the cybersecurity agency for the nation, and it continues to strive towards this goal despite the personnel changes it is currently experiencing. The current acting director of CISA is Madhu Gottumukkala, but there is no indication that this person is permanently confirmed by the Senate for this position as of the latest information available.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of CISA's workforce, the agency remains committed to its mission and to protecting the nation's critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Read also:
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Uncovering Political Ad Transparency: A Guide to Investigating opponent's Political Advertisements in the Digital Realm
- Elon Musk praises JD Vance's debate performance against Tim Walz
- Right-wing Israeli minister supports controversial plan for West Bank settlement expansion
