Slow Hiring at CISA Hampering Threat Detection, Mitigation

The hiring process at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency continues to be at a slow pace despite the rollout of the cyber talent management system, which is exempted from several hiring, compensation and classification practices traditionally implemented by the federal government. The Department of Homeland Security launched CTMS in 2021 to fast-track the recruitment and retention of cybersecurity professionals in light of the critical cybersecurity issues faced by the government, Federal News Network reported.

CISA Director Jen Easterly said during a House cybersecurity and infrastructure protection subcommittee hearing that her agency has hired 80 people through the new system and is set to hire more in 2023. DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari told Easterly in a March 2023 memorandum that while CISA has made progress it did not have enough staff to execute its mission of detecting and mitigating threats to the country’s cybersecurity.

The slow hiring process at CISA prompted Congress to revoke previously appropriated funds amounting to $53 million, Rep. Andrew Garbarino said before the full House Homeland Security Committee hearing last week.