Government Shutdown Cripples CISA, Leaving Nation's Cyber Infrastructure Vulnerable
The ongoing government shutdown has led to significant disruptions at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Nearly two-thirds of its staff have been furloughed, and key privacy and liability protections under the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 have expired.
CISA Director Marci McCarthy reassured the public that the agency remains committed to safeguarding the nation's critical infrastructure despite the challenges. However, with the agency not fully operational, it is unclear who would take over its leadership in cybersecurity events during this period.
CISA has managed to set up a webpage for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, demonstrating its resilience despite the shutdown. Meanwhile, the House has passed a 'clean' continuing resolution to extend CISA 2015 authorities until mid-November, but the Senate has yet to agree to any funding agreement or extension.
The shutdown has also led to a reduction in public communication from CISA and may discourage companies from sharing cyber threat data due to the lack of CISA 2015 protections. Last week, CISA directed federal agencies to patch a critical Cisco vulnerability, showing that some operations continue despite the shutdown. Affected staff will receive backpay once the shutdown ends.
The government shutdown has significantly impacted CISA's operations, with most of its staff furloughed and key protections expired. While the agency continues to perform some critical functions, the uncertainty surrounding its leadership and the lack of privacy protections may hinder its ability to effectively protect the nation's cyber infrastructure until the shutdown ends.
Read also:
- Eric Dane Diagnosed with ALS, Advocates for ACT for ALS
- Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: BP Faces Record-Breaking Settlement - Dubbed 'Largest Environmental Fine Ever Imposed'
- Meta Unveils Ray-Ban AR Display Sunglasses; TikTok Agrees to $200 Million Deal
- Historic downtown temples to receive restoration funds totaling over 25 million pesos
