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Mic Drop: Kelly Shaw’s job got hacked – by DOGE

Mar 21, 2025
Kelly Shaw, a former CISA cybersecurity expert with 15 years in national security, shares her shocking experience of being laid off during the agency's drastic downsizing. She discusses the implications of these layoffs for national security and the future of cybersecurity. Kelly also reflects on the emotional toll of job loss, the impact of AI on the industry, and the growing fears about vulnerabilities in cyber defense against threats, particularly from foreign adversaries. Her insights reveal both personal and national consequences of these crucial changes.
13:23

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • CISA's significant layoffs jeopardize national cybersecurity by diminishing the specialized talent essential for tackling advanced cyber threats.
  • Kelly Shaw's challenging job search highlights the increasingly competitive landscape for cybersecurity roles, emphasizing the shift towards AI-driven proactive measures.

Deep dives

Impact of Layoffs on Cybersecurity

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is facing significant staff reductions that have raised concerns about national security. Reports indicate that approximately 10% of CISA's workforce has been laid off, creating doubts about the agency's capability to safeguard critical infrastructure. The abrupt terminations have been described as arbitrary, particularly affecting dedicated employees like Kelly Shaw, who had dedicated 15 years to government service. Such cutbacks in personnel could hinder the agency's mission to combat advanced persistent threats, particularly from groups linked to foreign state actors.

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