The Register: Trump admin’s purge of US cyber advisory boards was ‘foolish,’ says ex-Navy admiral

Jan 30, 2025

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Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/30/gutting_us_cyber_advisory_boards/
Source: The Register
Title: Trump admin’s purge of US cyber advisory boards was ‘foolish,’ says ex-Navy admiral

Feedly Summary: ‘No one was kicked off the NTSB in the middle of investigating a crash’
interview Gutting the Cyber Safety Review Board as it was investigating how China’s Salt Typhoon breached American government and telecommunications networks was “foolish" and "bad for national security," according to retired US Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text discusses the implications of recent actions by the Trump administration regarding critical cybersecurity investigations, particularly the interruption of the Cyber Safety Review Board’s (CSRB) investigations into Chinese cyberattacks. It underscores concerns about national security and the dangers posed by foreign cyber adversaries, mainly China, highlighting the necessity of robust cybersecurity measures and international cooperation.

Detailed Description: The content addresses significant developments in U.S. cybersecurity policy, specifically focusing on the actions taken under the Trump administration that affected ongoing investigations into cyber threats. Key elements include:

– **Montgomery’s Testimony**: Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery argues that terminating memberships in various cybersecurity advisory committees, especially during urgent investigations, jeopardizes national security. The U.S. was left vulnerable to attacks like those from the Chinese “Salt Typhoon.”

– **Consequences of Committee Changes**:
– Montgomery highlights that rescinding participation in key advisory boards and the CSRB results in a loss of valuable insights that could enhance cyber defenses.
– A comparison is made to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), emphasizing that ongoing investigations should not be interrupted as they hold critical learning opportunities.

– **Critique of Policy Decisions**:
– Montgomery is vocal about his concerns regarding the cessation of cybersecurity initiatives, including funding for programs aimed at bolstering local and state defenses against cyberattacks.
– He stated, “Those were all programs working effectively to make our country more secure,” indicating that halting these programs could lead to increased vulnerabilities.

– **Future Cybersecurity Strategy**:
– There is an emphasis on the need for a proactive cyber defense strategy, including potentially offensive measures against adversaries like China.
– Montgomery suggests that demonstrating deterrence through targeted cyber actions could be vital for U.S. national security.

Overall, the text serves as a stark reminder of the intertwined nature of governance and cybersecurity, alerting security professionals to the critical need for continuous support and funding for cybersecurity initiatives. As cyber threats evolve rapidly, it is essential for governments to maintain robust frameworks for investigation and action against foreign adversaries. This discussion also underscores the importance of bipartisan support for cybersecurity, highlighting how changes in administration can have sweeping impacts on national security strategies.

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