Feds Skipping Infosec Industry’s Biggest Conference This Year

US Cybersecurity Agency Abruptly Cancels RSA Conference Appearance Amid Political Shakeup

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global cybersecurity community, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has announced it will not attend the prestigious RSA Conference in March 2026. The decision, confirmed by a CISA spokesperson, comes as the agency undergoes a dramatic realignment under the Trump administration, with several high-profile federal cybersecurity sessions also vanishing from the conference agenda.

The RSA Conference, one of the largest and most influential gatherings in the cybersecurity industry, typically draws thousands of professionals, researchers, and government officials from around the world. CISA’s absence marks a significant departure from previous years, where the agency played a central role in shaping discussions on national cybersecurity strategy, threat intelligence sharing, and critical infrastructure protection.

CISA spokesperson Marci McCarthy defended the decision in a statement to The Register, emphasizing the agency’s renewed focus on its “statutory, core mission” and alignment with President Trump’s policies. “Since the beginning of this administration, CISA has made significant progress in returning to our statutory, core mission and focusing on President Trump’s policies for maximum security for all Americans,” McCarthy said. “CISA has reviewed and determined that we will not participate in the RSA Conference since we regularly review all stakeholder engagements, to ensure maximum impact and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

The timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows, particularly given the recent appointment of former CISA director Jen Easterly as the new chief executive of RSA Conference (RSAC). Easterly, who led the agency during the Biden administration, was abruptly fired by President Trump in July 2025 alongside her predecessor, Chris Krebs. Both Easterly and Krebs had been vocal critics of the administration’s approach to cybersecurity and election security, leading to their dismissal.

While McCarthy declined to comment on whether Easterly’s new role influenced CISA’s decision, industry insiders speculate that the move could be part of a broader effort to distance the agency from figures perceived as politically opposed to the current administration. The absence of FBI and NSA representatives from the conference agenda further fuels speculation about a coordinated shift in federal cybersecurity engagement.

The RSA Conference has long served as a critical platform for government agencies to collaborate with the private sector, share threat intelligence, and showcase cutting-edge technologies. CISA’s withdrawal raises questions about the future of public-private partnerships in cybersecurity and whether the agency will seek alternative venues to engage with industry stakeholders.

Critics argue that the decision could undermine CISA’s ability to effectively address emerging cyber threats, particularly as ransomware attacks, state-sponsored espionage, and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities continue to escalate. “CISA’s participation in events like RSA is essential for fostering collaboration and ensuring that the latest threat intelligence reaches those who need it most,” said one cybersecurity expert, speaking on condition of anonymity.

On the other hand, supporters of the administration’s approach argue that CISA’s refocus on its core mission will lead to more efficient use of resources and a stronger emphasis on domestic cybersecurity priorities. “This is about putting America first and ensuring that CISA’s efforts are aligned with the administration’s vision for national security,” a senior administration official told The Register.

The decision also highlights the growing politicization of cybersecurity in the United States, with agencies increasingly expected to align with the ideological priorities of the ruling administration. As CISA navigates this new landscape, the broader cybersecurity community will be watching closely to see how the agency adapts and whether its absence from RSA signals a broader retreat from international collaboration.

For now, the RSA Conference will proceed without CISA’s presence, leaving a notable gap in the discussions that shape the future of cybersecurity. Whether this marks a temporary shift or a more permanent realignment remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the intersection of politics and cybersecurity has never been more contentious.

Tags: CISA, RSA Conference, cybersecurity, Trump administration, Jen Easterly, Chris Krebs, FBI, NSA, public-private partnerships, ransomware, critical infrastructure, threat intelligence, political shakeup, national security, cybersecurity policy

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