Nick Andersen Named Acting CISA Director
Summary
Nick Andersen, CISA’s executive assistant director for cybersecurity, has been appointed acting director, replacing Madhu Gottumukkala, who is moving to a DHS role. Sean Plankey remains nominated to lead the agency.
Key points
- Andersen replaces Madhu Gottumukkala as acting director of CISA.
- Gottumukkala is leaving to become director of strategic implementation at the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees CISA.
- Reports said Gottumukkala failed a polygraph test and uploaded sensitive government information to a public version of ChatGPT.
- CISA has not had a permanent director during the second Trump administration.
- Sean Plankey was renominated to lead CISA in January 2026 after his earlier nomination was blocked.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Leadership change at CISA: Nick Andersen was appointed acting director, replacing Madhu Gottumukkala.
- Impact
- Andersen’s appointment continues CISA’s period without a permanent director. Gottumukkala is leaving to become director of strategic implementation at DHS. Reports said he failed a polygraph test and uploaded sensitive government information to a public version of ChatGPT; these are reported claims, not independently confirmed in the article.
People
Bob CostelloIdentified as CISA’s CIO; Politico reported he was given the option to take a new role within DHS or resign.Kevin DianaIdentified as CISA’s acting chief human capital officer; Politico reported he was given the option to take a new role within DHS or resign.Madhu GottumukkalaDeparting CISA, where he served as deputy director, to become director of strategic implementation at DHS. Reports said he failed a polygraph test and uploaded sensitive government information to a public version of ChatGPT.Nick AndersenAppointed acting director of CISA; previously served as CISA’s executive assistant director for cybersecurity.Sean PlankeyNominated by the Trump administration to lead CISA; the article says his nomination was blocked last year and the White House renominated him in January 2026.