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The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has announced that it will be terminating its cooperative agreement with the Center for Internet Security, a nonprofit organization providing free cybersecurity services to state and local governments. The move is part of CISA's efforts to reform its partnership model and strengthen accountability, but experts worry about the potential impact on national security and election integrity.
CISA will terminate its cooperative agreement with the Center for Internet Security (CIS) on September 30, 2025.The decision aims to strengthen accountability and maximize impact, but critics argue it undermines national security and election integrity.The termination of funding for the MS-ISAC program and shift to a fee-based model will have significant implications for states' cybersecurity efforts.CISA has defended its decision, citing the need for greater accountability and effective partnership models.Experts argue that this move will leave a void in critical threat intelligence and risk management tools for states and local governments.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has announced that it will be terminating its cooperative agreement with the Center for Internet Security, a nonprofit organization that provides free and low-cost cybersecurity services to state and local governments. This move is part of CISA's efforts to reform its partnership model and strengthen accountability, maximize impact, and empower local partners to defend themselves.
The Center for Internet Security has been providing critical threat intelligence and risk management tools to the nation's election officials since 2003. The organization's Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) has played a vital role in sharing threat information between states and local governments, helping to prevent and mitigate cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure.
However, CISA has been facing criticism for its handling of cybersecurity funding and partnership models. In March 2025, the federal government cut $10 million in funding - roughly half the total budget - for the MS-ISAC program, citing concerns about cost and effectiveness. More recently, the Center for Internet Security announced that it would shift to a fee-based model to support its state threat-sharing program.
This decision has raised eyebrows among cybersecurity experts and election officials, who worry about the potential impact on national security and election integrity. "Where are we going to get this information, and how are states going to communicate if they see a cyber issue happening out in Oregon, how are they going to let Michigan know that's happening?" Tina Barton, a senior election expert with The Elections Group, an organization that advises election officials, told The Register.
CISA has defended its decision, citing the need for greater accountability and more effective partnership models. "CISA's cooperative agreement with the Center for Internet Security (CIS) will reach its planned end on September 30, 2025," America's lead cyber-defense agency said in a Monday announcement. "This transition reflects CISA's mission to strengthen accountability, maximize impact, and empower SLTT [state, local, tribal, and territorial] partners to defend today and secure tomorrow."
However, critics argue that this decision undermines the nation's ability to respond effectively to emerging cybersecurity threats. The Center for Internet Security has long been a critical component of CISA's efforts to support state and local governments in their cybersecurity efforts.
The termination of the partnership with the Center for Internet Security marks another blow to CISA's reputation as a reliable partner for state and local governments. In February 2025, the Department of Homeland Security cut its funding for the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), which was run by CIS and advised American election officials about democracy-menacing cyber-threats.
ISACs at risk
The decision to terminate CISA's partnership with the Center for Internet Security has sparked concerns among cybersecurity experts and election officials. The termination of funding for the MS-ISAC program, as well as the shift to a fee-based model, could have significant implications for national security and election integrity.
In addition to the loss of free threat intelligence and risk management tools, states will also face challenges in communicating with their peers about emerging cybersecurity threats. "This is not just an issue of dollars and cents; it's an issue of how we protect our democracy," said Barton.
CISA has promised to continue providing support to state and local governments through other means, but many experts argue that this will not be enough. The decision to terminate the partnership with the Center for Internet Security marks a significant shift in CISA's approach to cybersecurity funding and partnership models.
The implications of this decision are far-reaching and will likely have significant consequences for national security and election integrity. As the nation faces growing cybersecurity threats, it is essential that policymakers prioritize investments in critical infrastructure and support state and local governments in their efforts to protect themselves.
In conclusion, CISA's termination of its partnership with the Center for Internet Security marks a significant shift in the agency's approach to cybersecurity funding and partnership models. While CISA has defended its decision as necessary to strengthen accountability and maximize impact, critics argue that this move undermines the nation's ability to respond effectively to emerging cybersecurity threats.
The decision highlights the need for policymakers to prioritize investments in critical infrastructure and support state and local governments in their efforts to protect themselves. As the nation faces growing cybersecurity threats, it is essential that policymakers take a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges and supporting those who are on the front lines of defending against cyber-attacks.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/CISA-Terminates-Partnership-with-Nonprofit-Organization-Providing-Free-Cybersecurity-Services-to-State-and-Local-Governments-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/09/30/cisa_kills_cis_agreement/
Published: Mon Sep 29 22:29:06 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
