Acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman's decision impacts numerous advisory boards and their members. The CSRB, established under a Biden-era executive order, had been tasked with probing significant cybersecurity incidents, such as the recent Salt Typhoon hack that targeted major telecommunications companies, including Verizon and AT&T.
The memo cited the need to "eliminate[e] the misuse of resources" and ensure DHS activities "prioritise our national security." Apparently, the Chinese's ability to knock over the US’s telephone networks is nothing to worry about.
"Future committee activities will be focused solely on advancing our critical mission to protect the homeland and support DHS's strategic priorities," the memo stated. It noted that terminated members are "welcome to reapply" for future roles on advisory committees.
The termination of CSRB members has drawn criticism from cybersecurity experts. Freelance reporter Eric Geller, writing for NextGov/FCW, reported that the board was "less than halfway" through its investigation into Salt Typhoon at the time of the announcement.
A now-former board member described the investigation as "dead," adding, "There are still professional staff for the CSRB, and I hope they will continue some of the work in the interim."
Salt Typhoon, a Chinese hacking group, has been linked to a sophisticated campaign infiltrating US telecom providers, compromising sensitive infrastructure and raising alarms among cybersecurity officials. The CSRB’s previous work included investigating a 2023 breach of Microsoft Exchange Online, another high-profile incident.
The decision to disband advisory boards, which include experts from both the public and private sectors, has sparked concerns about the future of critical cybersecurity investigations.
Critics argue that terminating these committees during ongoing investigations could undermine US efforts to address and prevent major cyber threats. However, it would be a relief to the US companies involved, as they would not have a government watchdog breathing down their necks and requiring them to make expensive changes.
