CISA cuts draw scrutiny as cyber threats hit infrastructure and elections

The Trump administration’s cuts and staffing changes at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have drawn concern as the United States faces cyber threats tied to Iran and prepares for the midterm elections.

CISA’s budget was reduced and its staff cut by one-third during the first months of Trump’s return to office, and the agency has not had a permanent, Senate-confirmed director since then. In April, the White House proposed deeper cuts, though Republican lawmakers raised concerns about vulnerable critical infrastructure.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin later told lawmakers he wants to add 600 positions at CISA. Acting Director Nicholas Andersen said the agency is prioritizing critical cyberdefense roles, while new hiring expos have been scheduled.

Hackers with suspected ties to Iran targeted U.S. water and wastewater systems late last month in more than a dozen states, and federal agencies warned that Iran-affiliated hackers are trying to exploit vulnerabilities in U.S. systems. The administration also halted federal intelligence briefings for state election officials and ended funding for an information-sharing network.

Read the full story at theatlantic.com.