Nick Andersen is stepping in as the acting director of CISA, taking over from Madhu Gottumukkala, who served in the role for less than a year. Although Andersen is assuming leadership, the agency still lacks a permanent director.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, announced this change in leadership. Nick Andersen, previously the executive assistant director for cybersecurity, will now act as director. Meanwhile, Madhu Gottumukkala will transition to the role of director of strategic implementation at DHS.
This shift follows reports that Gottumukkala uploaded sensitive documents to ChatGPT. Despite AI restrictions for other DHS employees, Gottumukkala had obtained special permission to use the tool.
CISA has faced challenges under the Trump administration, including budget cuts and loss of trust among local leaders. The agency continues without a Senate-confirmed director, after Sean Plankey’s nomination and renomination.