The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has reaffirmed its commitment to securing federal and critical infrastructure networks following reports suggesting its elite Red Team had been disbanded. Contrary to these claims, CISA issued a statement making it clear that its Red Team remains fully operational and focused on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities across key systems.
“CISA’s Red Team is among the best in the world and remains laser focused on helping our federal and critical infrastructure partners identify and mitigate their most significant vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This has not changed,” the agency stated.
The clarification comes after reports circulated that CISA had “laid off” members of its Red Team, raising concerns about the agency’s ability to defend against cyber threats. However, CISA explained that the confusion stemmed from contract adjustments rather than staff reductions.
“CISA has taken action to terminate contracts where the agency has been able to find efficiencies and eliminate duplication of effort,” the statement continued. “As good stewards of the taxpayer dollar and in accordance with good fiscal governance practices, CISA regularly reviews contracts across the agency to ensure that we have the capabilities that we need and that we are allocating resources in ways that make the most impact.”
The agency emphasized that no full-time CISA personnel were affected by these contract changes and that Red Team operations would continue without interruption. The Red Team plays a critical role in cybersecurity defense, working alongside system administrators and network defenders to identify weaknesses and improve detection, response, and threat-hunting capabilities.
This statement comes as CISA continues to navigate a rapidly evolving cyber landscape, with heightened threats from nation-state actors and cybercriminal organizations. Ensuring the resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure remains a top priority for the agency, and officials are reinforcing their commitment to proactive defense measures.
Despite the contract adjustments, CISA assured its partners and the public that its Red Team remains fully engaged in protecting the nation’s most vital digital assets.
