The acting director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Dimitri Kusnezow, is being replaced after just over a year in the role. The decision comes amid growing congressional scrutiny and criticism of the agency's management. According to sources, Kusnezow has been reassigned to other duties within the Department of Homeland Security. His successor is to be Elizabeth Hight, a U.S. Navy veteran and former deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command, who has already assumed duties as acting director.

Change in Acting Director Position

Dimitri Kusnezow, the acting director of CISA, was removed from the position after just over a year. He will be replaced by Elizabeth Hight, an experienced cybersecurity specialist with extensive experience in military structures.

Growing Congressional Scrutiny

The change comes during a period of increased attention and pressure from members of the U.S. Congress, who criticized the agency's management and demanded a permanent director nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

New Director with Military Experience

Elizabeth Hight, the new acting director, has over 30 years of experience in the U.S. Navy, including serving as deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). Her appointment is intended to strengthen the agency at a crucial moment.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is experiencing a leadership change. Dimitri Kusnezow, who had been serving as acting director since January 2025, was removed from the position after just over a year. He will be reassigned to other duties within the Department of Homeland Security. Since its establishment in 2018, CISA has played a key role in coordinating the federal response to cyber incidents, especially in the face of a growing number of attacks on critical infrastructure, hospitals, and government institutions. The agency often operates in the shadow of political disputes concerning its mandate and funding. The decision for the change was made in the context of growing scrutiny from Congress. Some lawmakers criticized the agency's management under Kusnezow's leadership and expressed frustration over the lack of a permanent director nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, which they viewed as a sign of the administration's weak prioritization of cybersecurity. His year in the position was described by one source as "bumbling," indicating internal criticism of the effectiveness of his actions. ponad 30 lat — New director's experience in civilian and military service The new acting director of CISA is Elizabeth Hight. Hight is a U.S. Navy veteran with over 30 years of experience, including serving as deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). After retiring from the military, she worked in the private sector as vice president of cyber operations at a consulting firm. Her experience is expected to strengthen the agency in the face of complex challenges such as defending against threats from state actors, securing elections, and protecting critical infrastructure. Hight assumed her duties immediately, indicating the urgency of the situation. This change comes at a crucial moment for U.S. cyber defense, and Hight's success will depend on her ability to reassure Congress, boost agency morale, and effectively fulfill its broad mandate.

Mentioned People

  • Dimitri Kusnezow — Former acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), removed after over a year.
  • Elizabeth Hight — New acting director of CISA, a U.S. Navy veteran and former deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM).