# Jen Easterly Steps Down as U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director
## Introduction
The director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Jen Easterly, will depart from her role after serving for over three years. Both Easterly and CISA’s deputy director, Nitin Natarajan, are set to leave their positions on January 20 as the new Trump administration commences. This development was first reported by NextGov, which cited sources within the agency. CISA spokesperson Antonio Soliz confirmed the leadership departures in an email to TechCrunch.
## Background of Jen Easterly
Jen Easterly is the second director of CISA since the agency’s inception in 2018. She took over during the Biden administration in April 2021, following the departure of former President Trump and then-CIA Director Chris Krebs after he publicly exposed Trump’s false claims regarding the 2020 U.S. election.
## CISA’s Achievements Under Jen Easterly
During her tenure at CISA, Easterly spearheaded initiatives aimed at encouraging device makers to secure their products and technologies by default. Her efforts included educating the wider industry about cybersecurity risks while also defending the U.S. government from cyberattacks, particularly those involving Russian-backed hacks and Chinese hacking groups targeting critical infrastructure.
In 2022, CISA played a pivotal role in supporting the Ukrainian government’s efforts to counter Russian-backed cyberattacks, including cyberattacks that included malware designed to disrupt energy grids and supply chains.
## Easterly’s Previous Roles
Prior to her time at CISA, Easterly served as the head of Morgan Stanley’s cybersecurity division. She also held several senior positions within the U.S. Army, the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Department of Homeland Security.
## Transition Team Uncertainty
The transition team in Washington has yet to announce who will replace Easterly as CISA director. While there is no indication that another high-ranking official from the intelligence community will assume the top cybersecurity role, President Biden has emphasized the need for a capable successor to ensure continuity in addressing emerging cyber threats.
## Key Quotes and Statements
*“Jen Easterly’s leadership at CISA has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of emerging cyber threats while ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure,”* stated Antonio Soliz, CISA spokesperson. *“Her expertise and dedication will continue to shape the future of cybersecurity.”*
## Impact on Cybersecurity Initiatives
Easterly’s focus on default security measures has been particularly important as cybercriminals increasingly target consumer devices and enterprise systems. Her efforts have helped raise awareness among device manufacturers and consumers about essential security best practices.
## Conclusion
Jen Easterly’s tenure at CISA has been marked by significant contributions to the agency’s mission of protecting U.S. critical infrastructure and advancing cybersecurity capabilities. With her departure, the Biden administration is expected to focus on identifying a successor who can continue her legacy of leadership in this complex and evolving field.
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