CISA, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, plans to ramp up hiring significantly by the end of fiscal year 2026. Acting director Madhu Gottumukkala highlighted the agency's struggles due to a 40% vacancy rate, a consequence of significant staff reductions during the Trump administration. These cuts have weakened CISA's ability to support national security, particularly as threats from China to U.S. critical infrastructure increase. To address staffing shortages, CISA will focus on hiring state cybersecurity coordinators and regional advisers, especially in areas with persistent vacancies. The agency aims to leverage the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Talent Management System to attract talent at competitive rates, targeting both junior professionals and seasoned experts. Furthermore, CISA is revising its return-to-office policy to retain skilled employees by offering more flexibility, especially for those with specialized roles or demanding schedules. CISA is also looking to strengthen ties with educational institutions to cultivate future cybersecurity talent, emphasizing high-demand areas like industrial control systems. The agency plans to prioritize hiring individuals from the Scholarship for Service program and reinvigorate its internship initiative, aiming for a substantial influx of student interns by summer. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to recover from the detrimental effects of past personnel cuts and ensure the agency is prepared for future challenges.