Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

A U.S. government agency under the Department of Homeland Security responsible for cybersecurity and infrastructure protection.

CCI Score

14.56

April 18

Latest Event

CISA Cuts Undermine National Cybersecurity Capabilities

On March 26, 2025, CISA implemented drastic measures including firing 130 probationary workers, terminating critical cybersecurity contracts, and slashing funding for key cyber defense programs. These actions have weakened the agency’s ability to secure vital infrastructure and coordinate public-private cyber defense, potentially leaving the nation vulnerable to authoritarian influences.

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SABOTEUR

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is currently rated as a Saboteur.

+10 to +24 CCI Score

Companies in this bracket take more subtle actions to undermine authoritarian practices. They might implement internal policies or support reforms that quietly weaken oppressive systems, contributing to change in less overt ways.

Latest Events

MAR

26

2025

CISA Cuts Undermine National Cybersecurity Capabilities
-65.59

On March 26, 2025, CISA implemented drastic measures including firing 130 probationary workers, terminating critical cybersecurity contracts, and slashing funding for key cyber defense programs. These actions have weakened the agency’s ability to secure vital infrastructure and coordinate public-private cyber defense, potentially leaving the nation vulnerable to authoritarian influences.
-70

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

The severe staff reductions, disbandment of critical advisory bodies, and drastic budget cuts undertaken by CISA significantly degrade its public and political effectiveness. This undermines national cybersecurity, erodes public trust, and weakens the agency’s capacity to defend democratic processes against authoritarian practices.

Stop gutting America's cyber defense agency - The Hill
-60

Economic and Structural Influence

March 27

By terminating essential programs and cutting funding for collaborative advisory councils, CISA has diminished its structural influence and capacity to facilitate effective cyber defense. These economic and structural reductions compromise national infrastructure protection and the agency’s role in safeguarding democratic processes.

Stop gutting America's cyber defense agency - The Hill
DEC

01

2024

CISA Releases Guidance Endorsing Encrypted Messaging for Federal Communications Security
75.00

In December 2024, CISA issued its Mobile Communications Best Practice Guidance recommending encrypted messaging platforms like Signal for government officials. This move is seen as bolstering cybersecurity defenses and protecting democratic communication channels.
NOV

06

2024

CISA Statement on the Security of the 2024 Elections
86.06

CISA Director Jen Easterly issued a statement affirming the integrity and security of the 2024 elections, praising state and local election officials and emphasizing the agency's commitment to defending democratic processes against potential interference. This reassurance reinforces trust in democratic institutions and the electoral process.
+90

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

The agency's proactive communication in securing the elections demonstrates strong public and political behavior. By affirming the security of the electoral process and recognizing the efforts of election partners, CISA openly supports democratic norms and resists narratives that may fuel authoritarian undermining of the process.

Statement from CISA Director Easterly on the Security of the 2024 Elections | CISA
FEB

08

2024

Right-Wing Attack on CISA's Election Security Efforts
66.97

CISA's efforts to secure US elections and counter misinformation have come under partisan attack from right-wing political figures. This controversy underscores how partisan narratives attempt to undermine vital democratic institutions and election integrity.
+80

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

CISA's proactive role in securing elections and collaborating with social media companies to counter misinformation is essential in defending democratic processes. Although right-wing critics accuse the agency of overreach and censorship, from a left-leaning perspective this work is a robust defense against authoritarian undermining of electoral integrity.

How a Right-Wing Controversy Could Sabotage US Election Security
+70

Technology and Services Impact

March 27

By coordinating with social media companies to flag and combat misinformation, CISA leverages technology in a way that reinforces democratic values and election security. Despite allegations by partisan critics that these actions amount to censorship, the broader impact is a strengthened defense against the spread of dangerous falsehoods.

How a Right-Wing Controversy Could Sabotage US Election Security
JUN

26

2023

CISA Cover-Up of Censorship Practices
-54.60

An interim report reveals that CISA expanded its cybersecurity mandate by engaging in domestic surveillance and censorship, colluding with Big Tech and third parties to cover up unconstitutional activities and suppress free speech.
-70

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

CISA deviated from its core cybersecurity mission to engage in politically charged censorship and surveillance against American citizens. The agency's effort to conceal this activity by moving operations to a non-profit demonstrates an abuse of power that undermines democratic principles and free speech.

New Report Reveals CISA Tried to Cover Up Censorship Practices
-60

Technology and Services Impact

March 27

CISA's use of technological means to enhance state surveillance and censorship underscores the agency's role in deploying repressive technologies. The reported plans, including a rapid response team, illustrate how technology is weaponized against dissent, aligning with authoritarian practices.

New Report Reveals CISA Tried to Cover Up Censorship Practices
DEC

15

2015

Obama signs $1.1 Trillion Spending Package and Cybersurveillance Bill Controversy
-20.49

The spending package, signed by Obama in December 2015, included the controversial Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) that not only aimed to strengthen cybersecurity but also facilitated mass surveillance. Critics argue that under the guise of cybersecurity enhancements, these measures infringe on individual privacy rights and promote authoritarian practices.
-60

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

CISA's involvement in facilitating mass surveillance through legislative measures reflects a concerning endorsement of authoritarian practices that undermine civil liberties, leading to a significantly negative score in Public and Political Behavior.

Obama signs $1.1 trillion spending package for controversial cybersurveillance bill “CISA”
-40

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 27

Although the legislative package was intended to bolster cybersecurity, the ethical implications of enabling mass surveillance have raised serious concerns about the integrity and ethical responsibility of the measures, thus warranting a negative score in Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility.

Obama signs $1.1 trillion spending package for controversial cybersurveillance bill “CISA”
-55

Technology and Services Impact

March 27

The deployment of surveillance technologies as part of CISA's framework demonstrates a reliance on repressive technological measures. This has resulted in a markedly negative impact on Technology and Services Impact, as these practices contribute to authoritarian oversight.

Obama signs $1.1 trillion spending package for controversial cybersurveillance bill “CISA”