Schumer Urges DHS to Plan AI Cybersecurity Coordination With State and Local Governments
Summary
Chuck Schumer asked DHS for a plan by July 1 to coordinate with state, local, tribal and territorial governments on defending against AI-enabled cyber threats, citing concerns about CISA capacity and federal funding cuts.
Key points
- Schumer wrote to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging an updated coordination plan for state, local, tribal and territorial governments.
- He requested the plan by July 1 and suggested it address identifying AI talent, rapid patching and risk assessments.
- Schumer warned that AI advances could increase cyber risks to hospitals, power grids, water systems, schools, elections and emergency services.
- He raised concerns about CISA's ability to coordinate, including federal funding cuts to the Multistate Information Sharing and Analysis Center and the absence of a Senate-confirmed CISA director.
- CISA officials have said the agency is using AI internally for defensive purposes.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Sen. Chuck Schumer urged DHS to develop an updated plan for coordinating with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments on defenses against AI-enabled cyber threats.
- Impact
- No specific cyberattack or victim impact was reported. Schumer warned that hospitals, power grids, water systems, schools, elections, and emergency services could face disruptive attacks if defensive planning and coordination do not keep pace with AI-enabled threats. He also raised concerns about CISA’s capacity, federal funding cuts to the Multistate Information Sharing and Analysis Center, and the lack of a Senate-confirmed CISA director.
People
Chuck SchumerSenate Minority Leader who urged DHS to provide an updated coordination plan for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and warned about AI-enabled cyber threats.Markwayne MullinDHS Secretary to whom Schumer wrote requesting an updated plan for coordinating with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments on AI-related cyber threats.