Cyber risks against US escalate amid DHS shutdown, says CISA official

Cybersecurity risks faced by the U.S. were noted by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Acting Director Nick Andersen to increase each day the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security continues, reports The Record, a news site by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. Andersen, who testified before the House Homeland Security Committee, highlighted the shutdown's workforce and operational impact, noting that the agency currently has 1,000 job vacancies and 60% of its staff suspended. CISA's reduced staffing has led to limited functions that are necessary but are insufficient for preventing future threats. Concerns are also heightened as CISA prepares for security demands tied to the America 250 celebration events and the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Coordinated planning, partnerships, proactive assessments, strategic initiatives, and other activities aimed at reducing long-term systemic risk have also been paused or scaled back. "At some point, the compounding risk within this dynamic threat landscape is going to cause real damage to the American people," said Andersen.