Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a federal agency within the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), established on November 26, 2018, through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2018. CISA's mission is to lead the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the cyber and physical infrastructure that Americans rely on every hour of every day. The agency works collaboratively with partners across all levels of government and in the private sector to secure critical infrastructure against evolving threats.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To lead the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the cyber and physical infrastructure that Americans rely on every hour of every day.

Vision: A secure and resilient critical infrastructure for the American people.

Primary Area of Focus

CISA focuses on three primary areas:

1. Cybersecurity: Defending and securing cyberspace by leading national efforts to drive and enable effective national cyber defense, resilience of national critical functions, and a robust technology ecosystem.

2. Infrastructure Security: Protecting critical infrastructure sectors, including energy, water, transportation, and communications, from physical and cyber threats.

3. Emergency Communications: Ensuring effective and secure communication systems for federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments during emergencies.

Industry Significance

As the nation's risk advisor, CISA plays a pivotal role in safeguarding critical infrastructure, which is essential for national security, economic stability, and public safety. The agency's efforts are crucial in mitigating risks from cyber threats, natural disasters, and other emergencies that could disrupt essential services.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to critical infrastructure.

Collaboration: Partnering with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as private sector entities, to enhance security and resilience.

Incident Response: Providing support and coordination during cyber incidents and emergencies.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Cyber Defense: Implementing strategies to protect against cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Infrastructure Resilience: Enhancing the robustness of critical infrastructure against disruptions.

Emergency Communications: Maintaining reliable communication channels during crises.

Key Technologies Utilized

EINSTEIN Intrusion Detection System: A system designed to detect malicious activity on federal government agency networks.

Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) Program: Provides cybersecurity tools and services to federal agencies.

National Vulnerability Database (NVD): A repository of standardized information on software vulnerabilities.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Federal Agencies: Ensuring the security of federal information systems.

Critical Infrastructure Sectors: Including energy, water, transportation, and communications.

State and Local Governments: Providing support for cybersecurity and emergency communications.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

CISA's budget has seen incremental increases to support its expanding mission. In fiscal year 2023, the agency's budget was approximately $2.9 billion. The 2025 budget request is $3.0 billion, reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience.

Recent Funding Developments

In March 2025, the Trump administration ceased federal funding for two cybersecurity initiatives led by CISA, including efforts dedicated to assisting state and local election officials. This decision has raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the U.S. election system.

Notable Investors

As a federal agency, CISA does not have investors in the traditional sense. Its funding is allocated through the federal budget process.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The allocated funds are utilized for:

Cybersecurity Initiatives: Enhancing the security of federal networks and critical infrastructure.

Infrastructure Resilience Programs: Strengthening the nation's critical infrastructure against various threats.

Emergency Communications Systems: Maintaining and upgrading communication systems for emergency response.

Pipeline Development

As a government agency, CISA does not have a product pipeline in the traditional sense. However, it continually develops and implements programs and initiatives to enhance cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience.

Key Programs and Initiatives

EINSTEIN Program: An intrusion detection system designed to detect malicious activity on federal government agency networks.

Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) Program: Provides cybersecurity tools and services to federal agencies.

National Vulnerability Database (NVD): A repository of standardized information on software vulnerabilities.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

EINSTEIN Intrusion Detection System: Developed by CISA to monitor and protect federal networks from cyber threats.

Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) Tools: A suite of tools provided to federal agencies to enhance their cybersecurity posture.

Significant Scientific Methods

Risk Assessment Frameworks: Utilized to identify and mitigate risks to critical infrastructure.

Incident Response Protocols: Established procedures for responding to and recovering from cyber incidents.

AI-Driven Capabilities

In August 2024, CISA appointed Lisa Einstein as its first-ever Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. This role underscores the agency's commitment to integrating AI into its cybersecurity efforts, including analyzing threat intelligence, addressing security flaws, and reverse-engineering malware.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Lisa Einstein: Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. Appointed in August 2024, Einstein is responsible for integrating AI technologies into CISA's cybersecurity initiatives.

Bridget E. Bean: Acting Director of CISA. Bean has held various senior roles within the agency, including Executive Director and Assistant Director for the Integrated Operations Division.

Sean Plankey: Nominee for Director of CISA. Plankey, a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, was nominated by President Trump in March 2025 to lead the agency.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

CISA operates in the federal cybersecurity and infrastructure protection sector, collaborating with various government agencies and private sector partners. The agency faces challenges from evolving cyber threats, technological advancements, and the need for interagency coordination.

Competitor Analysis

As a government agency, CISA does not have direct competitors in the traditional sense. However, it collaborates with and sometimes competes for resources with other federal agencies, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): CISA collaborates with NIST to manage the National Vulnerability Database, ensuring comprehensive coverage of software vulnerabilities.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): CISA works with FEMA to coordinate emergency communications and infrastructure resilience efforts.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

CISA continues to focus on enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities, integrating AI technologies, and strengthening partnerships with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as private sector entities, to build a more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future.