The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is undergoing significant workforce reduction since the Trump administration began, with nearly a third of its staff leaving. During a recent panel discussion at the Black Hat conference, Marci McCarthy, a CISA official, stated that the agency is focusing on its core mission while scaling back. In contrast, former NSA cybersecurity chief Rob Joyce warned that these reductions make the U.S. more vulnerable to cyber threats. The discussions revolved around the implications of these cuts amidst increasing digital threats from nation-state hackers and cybercriminals.
McCarthy emphasized that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is refocusing on its core mission as its footprint and workforce is scaled back, stating 'national security is cybersecurity'.
Joyce cautioned that reducing federal cyber functions compromises security, arguing that the U.S. becomes more exposed to digital threats from nation-state hackers and cybercriminals.
The discussion showcased the divide on the implications of the Trump-era workforce reductions at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency amidst rising digital threats.
CISA has seen significant workforce reduction, with almost a third of its staff departing due to buyouts, early retirements, layoffs, and political backlash following the 2020 election.
Collection
[
|
...
]