Chris Krebs, the former head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), expressed his outrage over the Trump administration’s significant cuts to cybersecurity personnel and programs during a recent speech at the RSA Conference in San Francisco. This marks Krebs’s first public commentary since President Trump directed the Justice Department to investigate him for affirming the integrity of the 2020 election.
Krebs criticized the administration for its repeated actions against cybersecurity roles, emphasizing that “cybersecurity is national security.” He pointed out that current threats from major hacking campaigns traced to China, such as Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon, necessitate increased investment in cybersecurity staff. Instead of downsizing, Krebs argued, the U.S. needs to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities by bolstering agencies like Cyber Command and recruiting more front-line defenders and threat hunters.
The Trump administration has reportedly directed cuts within CISA, including the dismissal of probationary employees and advisory committees, while encouraging retirements among staff. The Department of Homeland Security acknowledged these cuts but did not comment on Krebs’s speech.
In addition, the Electronic Frontier Foundation published an open letter supporting Krebs, although initial signers were limited, lacking representation from major cybersecurity firms. Katie Moussouris, CEO of Luta Security, highlighted a cautious sentiment in the industry: while many support Krebs, they are reluctant to publicly criticize the Trump administration. Krebs’s popularity among both CISA staff and the broader cybersecurity sector remains evident, despite the political challenges he faces. His message emphasizes the urgent need for a stronger cybersecurity workforce in light of escalating threats.
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