The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made a sweeping decision to end the memberships of all its advisory committees, including the Cyber Safety Review Board, which was investigating a significant Chinese cyberattack on U.S. telecom companies. This move is part of a larger cost-cutting effort under the Trump administration, as reported by NextGov/FCW.
In a memo released Monday, DHS Acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman announced that all current advisory committee memberships were being terminated, with a call for reapplication in the future. The purpose of this action, Huffman explained, is to eliminate resource misuse and refocus the agency’s efforts on national security priorities.
The Cyber Safety Review Board, created under a Biden-era cybersecurity executive order, had been closely examining the infiltration of U.S. telecommunications by the Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon. This board had involved cybersecurity experts from both the private sector and government agencies.
Chinese Hack and Security Concerns
The focus of the board’s investigation was the breach by Salt Typhoon, which targeted major telecom providers like Verizon and AT&T. The hackers allegedly stole sensitive call records and even accessed communications involving high-ranking officials, including former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
This cyberattack raised serious national security alarms. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) condemned the DHS decision to disband the board, calling it “a gift to the Chinese spies” who were behind the hack. The breach compromised private communications at the highest levels of government, with devastating consequences for U.S. security.
In addition to this, the board had previously investigated a 2023 security incident involving Microsoft Exchange Online, identifying significant lapses in security protocols.
Uncertainty About Future Investigations
As of now, it remains unclear whether the Cyber Safety Review Board will be reinstated or if its investigation into the Salt Typhoon attack will continue. A senior DHS official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the agency would no longer support advisory committees pushing agendas that undermine national security or the rights of Americans.
The board is managed under the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which has faced accusations from Republican lawmakers of infringing on free speech, particularly related to social media content.
Political Backlash and Concerns
The move to dismiss advisory committees has sparked strong reactions from Democratic lawmakers. Representative Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, expressed concern over the timing of the dismissal, fearing it would delay critical cybersecurity investigations.
“The investigation into the Salt Typhoon breach is urgent, and the board’s work must continue without interruption,” Thompson stated. He also warned that the Trump administration could attempt to install political allies into the board, undermining its independence and effectiveness.
Thompson further criticized Republican attacks on CISA, citing claims that the agency was being misused to suppress free speech and manipulate elections.
Wider Impact on DHS Committees
The termination of advisory committee memberships affects more than just the Cyber Safety Review Board. Other groups, including the Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board, the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council, and the Secret Service’s Cyber Investigations Advisory Board, were also disbanded.
According to cybersecurity journalist Eric Geller, a source revealed that the Cyber Safety Review Board’s investigation into the Salt Typhoon breach was far from complete, describing it as “dead” after the dismissals.
Despite the end of non-government membership, there are still professional staff within the board who may continue their work, although delays are expected.
Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, defended the decision, suggesting that the new DHS leadership should reassess the board’s structure and future role. “This could involve appointing new members or reevaluating if the board is the best way to address cyber threats,” Green said.
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