Trump’s Cyber Nominee: No Experience, Big Cuts — What Could Go Wrong?
Sean Cairncross, Trump’s pick for national cyber director, is all in on offensive cyber tactics but dodges questions about slashing funds for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Meanwhile, Sean Plankey, another nominee, is stuck in paperwork limbo, leaving CISA without a head honcho.
Hot Take:
Sean Cairncross, nominated as the U.S. national cyber director, is ready to switch from defense to offense faster than a soccer team with a two-goal deficit. While Cairncross advocates for a more aggressive cyber posture, others are concerned that proposed budget cuts to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) might leave us as defenseless as a pumpkin left out after Halloween. And with the other cyber nominee, Sean Plankey, temporarily out of the picture, it seems the cyber directorate is in need of some serious debugging.
Key Points:
- Sean Cairncross, with limited cybersecurity experience, defends offensive cyber strategies and budget cuts.
- The proposed budget cuts to CISA could significantly reduce cybersecurity funding and human resources.
- Cairncross argues that cybersecurity is largely in the hands of the private sector, a stance criticized by senators.
- Sean Plankey’s nomination to lead CISA is delayed, leaving the agency leaderless.
- Senator Ron Wyden blocks Plankey’s nomination pending a report on telecom security.