"CISA has lost around one-third of its staff, which cost it programs, personnel, and expertise, including the agency's counter-ransomware initiative and efforts to promote secure software development. Some of these have included several members of its election security team."
"The cybersecurity agency is said to be currently operating at around 38% staff levels as the partial U.S. federal government shutdown, which began on February 14, drags on. Lawmakers have declined to continue funding federal immigration authorities amid widespread criticism following the killings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents."
"Bipartisan lawmakers and industry leaders who fear that the agency's ability to perform its core mission has been diminished and left it unprepared for a cybersecurity crisis. Many of Cyberscoop's sources blame the Trump administration, Congress, or both."
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) faces severe operational challenges due to significant staffing reductions during the Trump administration's first year. The agency has lost roughly one-third of its workforce, resulting in the elimination of critical programs including counter-ransomware initiatives, secure software development efforts, and election security operations. CISA currently operates at approximately 38% staff capacity amid a federal government shutdown. Bipartisan lawmakers and industry leaders express concern that these cuts have substantially diminished CISA's ability to fulfill its core mission and prepare for potential cybersecurity crises. Additional staffing reassignments to support immigration enforcement efforts have further strained resources. The agency has operated without a permanent director since 2025, with acting director Madhu Gottumukkala facing criticism for leadership challenges.
#cisa-staffing-crisis #cybersecurity-infrastructure #government-agency-cuts #election-security #federal-workforce-reduction
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