Sen. Ron Wyden has Put on Hold the Nomination of Sean Plankey as Director of CISA
In a bold move to prioritize the transparency and security imperatives of the U.S. telecommunications sector, Senator Ron Wyden has placed a hold on Sean Plankey’s nomination as director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This decision comes on the heels of CISA’s reluctance to release an unclassified 2022 report that evaluates the security practices at various U.S. telecom firms.
Wyden, a staunch advocate for robust cybersecurity measures, raised alarms regarding the Salt Typhoon campaign, a sophisticated state-sponsored attempt by China to infiltrate the networks of U.S. telecom firms. He asserts that the unveiling of the report is critical, accusing CISA of obfuscating years of negligent cybersecurity practices within the telecommunications industry.
Keith Chu, Deputy Policy Director and Spokesperson for Wyden, communicated via email to Cybersecurity Dive, stating, “When it comes to harm to U.S. cybersecurity, the administration can easily comply with Sen. Wyden’s request and proceed with the nomination.”
Chu further emphasized the mounting cybersecurity concerns, pointing out several vulnerabilities plaguing national security. According to Chu, the dismantling of the Cybersecurity Review Board, tasked with investigating the Salt Typhoon hack, along with the anticipated firing of a significant segment of CISA’s personnel, represents a threat. This, coupled with high-ranking national security officials exchanging sensitive defense information on unsecured devices and a pattern of sidestepping established security protocols, flags serious risks to American cybersecurity.
Senator Wyden’s vigilance concerning telecom security predates even the Trump administration. Wyden has continually pressured CISA to confront these security deficiencies head-on. In April 2023, he addressed a letter to former CISA Director Jen Easterly and NSA Director General Paul Nakasone, advocating for cybersecurity audits of FirstNet, a crucial phone network serving first responders and the military.
The Salt Typhoon threat group, linked with the People’s Republic of China, managed to infiltrate the networks of nine pivotal telecom firms, giving them a potential vantage point to access communications of high-ranking U.S. officials. This development underscores the urgency Wyden sees in mandating transparency and accountability from CISA.
Wyden, considered a stalwart in cybersecurity advocacy for public interests, regularly participates in DEF CON, the annual cybersecurity conference, demonstrating his dedication to fortifying the nation’s cybersecurity landscape.
His decision to delay Plankey’s confirmation acts as a tactical maneuver to curb potential exodus of CISA employees, a staggering figure of over 130 having already been discharged by February 2025 under existing administration strategies.
While Sean Plankey’s nomination could bring a notable reputation to the fore, Wyden’s concerns also focus on the administration’s possible inclinations towards deploying AI in upcoming elections, which could undermine democratic processes. By extending the hold on Plankey’s nomination, Wyden aims to further impede any plans that might compromise future U.S. election security.
As the cybersecurity domain continues to evolve, Senator Wyden’s proactive measures serve as a critical reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and comprehensive security frameworks across all sectors, especially those bearing the weight of national security. His steadfast commitment to these principles ensures that the protection of U.S. infrastructure remains a priority, while safeguarding democratic integrity from foreign or domestic threats.
