As federal spending shifts, workforce reductions in cybersecurity agencies are already making waves. While these changes may seem distant, the effects are likely to be felt by small and mid-sized businesses right here in Arizona.
Why Local Businesses Should Care
Former NSA cybersecurity director Rob Joyce recently testified about the real risks tied to cuts at key agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the NSA.
CISA alone has seen 300–400 job losses, reducing its capacity to defend against threats and share vital intelligence with the private sector.As of April 7th, reports say that CISA may have to let go of up to 1,300 employees out of its 3,300-person workforce.
That’s where your business comes in
Federal cybersecurity agencies play a major role in identifying and tracking cyber threats, and right now they are bracing for more cuts. That information is passed along to vendors and partners who make the firewalls, antivirus software, and detection tools you depend on to stay safe. Less intel at the federal level means weaker tools at the local level—making Arizona businesses more vulnerable.
What Your Business Can Do
Now is the time to strengthen your own defenses. With fewer resources at the national level, local businesses must take proactive steps:
- Use multiple layers of protection—firewalls, VPNs, email security, and endpoint protection.
- Leverage tools backed by strong threat intelligence, like Cisco Talos, to help detect and block evolving threats.
- Keep your employees trained on cybersecurity best practices.
- Work with a local IT provider that understands both national risks and your local business environment.
How LeeShanok is Helping:
In response to growing threats and to protect your business, LeeShanok is offering five free licenses of our Zero Trust Tool to all clients who are currently missing that protection.
This Zero Trust tool prevents any unauthorized software from installing on your PCs. This tool is invaluable in stopping ransomware from infecting your network.
All users should have a license for full protection, but our intention in covering the cost of five licenses is to protect your most sensitive users. Your account manager will be in touch with the five users we recommend protecting.
