The acting head of the United States cyber defense agency is under fire for allegedly uploading sensitive government contracting documents to the public version of ChatGPT, triggering internal security alerts, as per reports citing multiple officials familiar with the matter.
Madhu Gottumukkala, who currently serves as the interim director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), as per the reports, used AI chatbot last summer to process internal contracting material marked for official use only. While the documents were not classified, the designation suggests they are considered sensitive and not intended for public disclosure.
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The incident drew attention because Gottumukkala had sought and received special approval to access ChatGPT shortly after joining the agency, at a time when the tool remained restricted for most Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees. The federal cybersecurity systems flagged the uploads in early August, generating multiple automated warnings designed to prevent sensitive data from leaving government networks.
Following the alerts, senior DHS officials initiated an internal review to evaluate whether the disclosures posed any security risks. Officials familiar with the process said Gottumukkala later met with senior leadership to explain how the material was used, though the findings of the review have not been publicly disclosed.
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In a statement, CISA said Gottumukkala’s use of ChatGPT was conducted under a temporary, authorised exception and was limited in duration. The agency added that access to the chatbot remains blocked by default unless explicit approval is granted.
The case got into the limelight because information entered into public AI platforms can be stored and potentially used by the service provider, unlike government approved tools that are designed to keep data within federal systems. DHS employees have access to internal AI platforms that prevent data from leaving government networks.
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CISA, which plays a central role in defending federal systems from cyber threats linked to foreign adversaries, has faced additional turbulence in recent months. Gottumukkala’s leadership tenure has included internal disputes and staffing controversies, adding to scrutiny around the agency’s management practices.