ISMG Editors: Inside the Staffing Crisis Crippling CISA

Also: Akira Ransomware Targets Healthcare, AI's Sycophancy Becomes a Security Risk Anna Delaney (annamadeline) • November 21, 2025

In this week's ISMG Editors' Panel, four editors discussed the staffing crisis confronting America's cyber defense agency, the escalating Akira ransomware threat putting more pressure on healthcare, and growing concerns over whether AI models used in security can actually be trusted.

See Also: The Healthcare CISO's Guide to Medical IoT Security

The panelists - Anna Delaney, director, productions; Tony Morbin, executive news editor, EU; Chris Riotta, managing editor, GovInfoSecurity; and Marianne Kolbasuk McGee, executive editor, HealthcareInfoSecurity - also discussed:

• The deepening staffing crisis at CISA, where the loss of nearly one-third of the agency's workforce amid budget cuts and political pressure is undermining core national security operations;
• The latest surge in Akira ransomware activity, as authorities warn that the gang's expanding techniques and multi-platform attacks are increasingly hitting hospitals ...