DHS inspector general: CISA mismanaged multimillion-dollar employee incentives program

A DHS Inspector General audit concluded that CISA mismanaged its Cybersecurity Retention Incentive program, paying over $138 million without proper tracking, including $1.4 million in questionable back pay to 348 employees, and extending incentives to non-mission-critical personnel in violation of federal regulations. The report warns this mismanagement wastes taxpayer funds and risks cyber talent attrition; CISA concurred with eight corrective actions, including instituting recipient tracking, annual eligibility reviews, and exploring recoupment of improper payments.