TLDR:
- Brandon Wales is leaving CISA after 20 years of service in the federal government.
- During his time at CISA, Wales saw the evolution of the cyber mission, focusing on public-private partnerships and responding to significant cyber incidents like the SolarWinds attack.
Brandon Wales, the executive director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), is departing after nearly two decades of service in the Department of Homeland Security. Wales reflected on the growth of the cyber mission during his tenure, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships and the agency’s response to major incidents like the SolarWinds attack.
Wales emphasized the significant improvements in federal cybersecurity over the years and the establishment of CISA as a vital force in protecting national security. He expressed the need for continued focus on addressing cyber threats from China and finalizing regulations under the 2022 cyber incident reporting legislation.
Looking ahead, Wales plans to transition to a private-sector cyber job to gain new perspectives and experiences. CISA Director Jen Easterly praised Wales for his leadership in navigating serious threats and shaping the agency’s direction.