Federal Workforce Cuts Raise Alarm Over U.S. Cybersecurity Risks

Former NSA official warns Congress that reducing federal staff threatens national security and undermines efforts to counter China's cyber threats.

Rob Joyce, former NSA cybersecurity director, testified that planned cuts to federal probationary workers could harm national security by depleting critical talent pipelines.
More than 100,000 federal employees have been laid off or taken early retirement under President Trump's workforce reduction initiative, including over 130 cybersecurity roles at DHS's CISA.
Experts highlighted China's growing cyber threats, including targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, and warned that staff reductions could hinder the nation's ability to respond effectively.
Joyce and other experts emphasized the need for stable, well-trained personnel to manage cybersecurity challenges, warning that uncertainty is driving talent away from federal agencies.
The testimony also raised concerns about Chinese-made technology, such as TP-Link routers, which experts claim may pose security risks due to potential backdoors.