DHS Shutdown Enters Eighth Week; CISA at 40% Capacity as Iran-Linked Cyber Threats Escalate

The DHS shutdown, now in its eighth week, has furloughed roughly 60% of CISA staff, forcing the agency to halt vulnerability assessments across critical infrastructure. Acting CISA Director Nick Andersen warned Congress that "risk is accumulating across the system" and creating openings for adversaries, a statement delivered as CISA simultaneously issues its most urgent Iran-linked cyber advisory of the conflict. Despite the furloughs, CISA has posted a critical hire list of 329 positions, signaling intent to rebuild capacity once funding resumes. The TSA received a funding carve-out, but staff at other DHS components remain unpaid.