CISA Replaces Bumbling Acting Director After a Year (techcrunch.com)
- Reference: 0180870278
- News link: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/26/02/27/2215238/cisa-replaces-bumbling-acting-director-after-a-year
- Source link: https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/27/cisa-replaces-acting-director-gottumukkala-after-a-bumbling-year-on-the-job/
> The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is reportedly in crisis following major budget cuts, layoffs, and furloughs under the Trump administration, says TechCrunch. The agency has now [2]replaced its acting director, Madhu Gottumukkala , after a turbulent year marked by controversy and internal turmoil. During his tenure, Gottumukkala allegedly mishandled sensitive information by [3]uploading government documents to ChatGPT , oversaw a one-third [4]reduction in staff , and reportedly failed a counterintelligence polygraph needed for classified access. His leadership also saw the suspension of several senior officials, including CISA's chief security officer.
Nextgov also [5]reported that CISA lost another top senior official, Bob Costello, the agency's chief information officer tasked with overseeing the agency's IT systems and data policies. "Last month, CISA's acting director Madhu Gottumukkala reportedly [6]took steps to transfer Costello, but other political appointees blocked it," added Nextgov.
[1] https://slashdot.org/~DeanonymizedCoward
[2] https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/27/cisa-replaces-acting-director-gottumukkala-after-a-bumbling-year-on-the-job/
[3] https://yro.slashdot.org/story/26/01/28/2144213/us-cyber-defense-chief-uploaded-sensitive-files-into-a-public-version-of-chatgpt
[4] https://news.slashdot.org/story/25/05/27/1653235/cisa-loses-nearly-all-top-officials
[5] https://www.nextgov.com/people/2026/02/cisa-cio-expected-leave-agency-after-receiving-transfer-orders/411718/
[6] https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/18/acting-cisa-chief-sought-ouster-of-agencys-chief-information-officer-00735826
So there was a danger of them interfering (Score:2)
In Russian interference with American policy and elections.
For years I wondered why Trump got away with ripping off Rich people. Poor people I get you can rip as many of those off as you want. But he ripped off some rich people normally you go to prison for that.
And sure Trump was heavily involved with Jeffrey Epstein so he probably had some scary dirt.
But more and more I'm starting to think that he was an intelligence asset and that's why he was allowed to swim. It would explain why the Russian
Re: (Score:2)
The idea of Donald Trump being an intelligence asset is oxymoronic.
But, what would he be doing differently if he were a Russian agent? Maybe this opening will give him an opportunity to directly appoint a Russian to manage the government's IT security.
failed a polygraph needed for classified access (Score:2)
This would seem to be a rather large red flag for the ... (checks notes) ... Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security. The kakistocracy continues to amaze.
Re:failed a polygraph needed for classified access (Score:4, Informative)
Polygraph is BS. You might as well test with astrology.
Re: (Score:2)
Bullshit or not have any of the previous CISA directors not been able to meet the requirements? I don't think the polygraph requirement has changed and it's used all over, seems like a low bar, which is probably actually the point of it.
Re: (Score:2)
Polygraph tests for nervousness not truth. It says the director of CISA cannot pressure which is bad.