Musk’s DOGE Operatives Now Embedded in Top U.S. Cybersecurity Agency

Pretty sure we all know what's going on here: A silent coup from within

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), responsible for protecting U.S. government networks, now has two high-profile members from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on its staff. Among them is 19-year-old Edward Coristine, known online as “Big Balls,” who has made rapid stops at multiple federal agencies. Joining him is Kyle Schutt, a software engineer with ties to WinRed, a GOP fundraising platform. Their presence raises pressing questions about access to sensitive cybersecurity data and national security risks.

Coristine’s federal tour began in January, spanning the General Services Administration (GSA), the State Department, and FEMA before landing at CISA. His prior involvement with Path Network, a firm linked to reformed blackhat hackers, has added to the controversy. “What’s the point of fighting cybercrime if we’re just going to give access for government networks to people with cybercriminal gang affiliations?” a cybersecurity researcher told WIRED. Meanwhile, Schutt, previously involved in Republican fundraising tech, has also joined CISA, though his precise role remains unclear.

CISA’s core mission involves safeguarding government networks, monitoring cyber threats, and coordinating responses to breaches. This includes handling classified data on software vulnerabilities and election security risks. With Coristine’s documented connections to cybercriminal circles, and DOGE’s rapid infiltration into federal agencies, scrutiny is mounting over whether these hires enhance government efficiency or pose a serious security risk.

Source: Wired