The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will not participate in the RSA Conference scheduled for March, as confirmed by a spokesperson. This decision comes amid ongoing evaluations of the agency’s engagements and a focus on maximizing the effectiveness of taxpayer dollars.
Official Statement from CISA
CISA spokesperson Marci McCarthy stated, “Since the beginning of this administration, CISA has made significant progress in returning to our statutory, core mission and focusing on President Trump’s policies for maximum security for all Americans.” The agency’s choice to skip the conference reflects a broader strategy to assess stakeholder engagements.
Impact of Leadership Changes
The announcement follows the recent appointment of Jen Easterly, former CISA director, as the new CEO of the RSA Conference. McCarthy did not comment on whether this leadership transition influenced CISA’s decision to withdraw from the event. Easterly’s previous tenure at CISA under the Biden administration has been marked by notable initiatives, including the Secure by Design pledge signed by numerous tech providers in 2024.
Historical Context of CISA’s Participation
Federal cyber officials have traditionally played active roles at the RSA Conference, with past leaders like Easterly and Chris Krebs delivering keynotes and participating in discussions. However, recent years have seen a shift, with CISA and the National Security Agency (NSA) reducing their presence. In 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed concerns about CISA’s direction, indicating a need to realign the agency’s focus.
Uncertainty Surrounding Future Engagements
While CISA’s absence from the RSA Conference is confirmed, the reasons behind this decision remain partially unclear. Discussions among officials from the White House Office of the National Cyber Director, the National Security Council, and CISA about potentially canceling their appearances suggest a complex interplay of factors influencing this choice. The Register reached out to these offices but did not receive a response.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
