Reinvigorating Federal Cybersecurity Post Shutdown: Tenable Supports the Cybersecurity Coalition’s Call to Action

The end of the U.S. federal shutdown is a pivotal moment to rebuild and accelerate national cybersecurity. Tenable supports the Cybersecurity Coalition's four-point plan for modernized defenses, renewed legislation, unified leadership, and revitalized collaboration.

The end of the U.S. federal shutdown marks a pivotal opportunity to reset and strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity. The Continuing Resolution that ended the shutdown only provides funding through Jan. 30, 2026, for most federal programs and activities. As the U.S. barrels toward that deadline, we’re potentially facing another shutdown unless Congress reaches a bipartisan funding agreement for FY 2026 or enacts yet another Continuing Resolution. Meanwhile, U.S. adversaries are plotting sophisticated attacks to capitalize on every opportunity to leverage disruptions. Moreover, federal technological innovation and cybersecurity are significantly hampered by each partisan government breakdown, as budget uncertainty unnecessarily delays critical federal procurements. 

The path forward is clear: now is the time to accelerate modernization and resilience efforts. We cannot afford to wait. 

Tenable strongly supports the Cybersecurity Coalition's post-shutdown recommendations, which align closely with our mission to help federal agencies proactively understand, prioritize, and reduce cyber risk.

Below is a summary of the four areas where immediate action is needed, and where Tenable’s capabilities and expertise can help federal leaders move quickly.

Equip federal agencies to fulfill their cyber missions

The shutdown delayed critical cybersecurity work, from contract awards to cloud security deployments to hiring experienced personnel. Agencies now face gaps in tools, staffing, and guidance just as nation-state threats are intensifying.

The Coalition calls for:

• Accelerating delayed cybersecurity procurements so agencies can modernize defenses without further setbacks
• Fulfilling mission-critical cyber vacancies and strengthening retention to reverse talent losses
• Expediting post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) transition guidance and providing the resources agencies need to execute the shift

Tenable’s stance: Agencies need visibility, prioritization, and proactive risk reduction now more than ever. Tenable supports swift resumption of cybersecurity investments, modernization initiatives, and PQC preparedness so agencies can secure both traditional and emerging environments.

Bolster legislative action on cybersecurity

The shutdown stalled progress on renewing key laws and programs that underpin national cyber resilience.

The Coalition urges Congress to:

• Reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 for an additional 10 years to maintain trusted public-private threat and vulnerability information sharing
• Fully renew the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) for another 10 years and provide consistent funding for under-resourced state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments
• Increase oversight and develop new legislative frameworks for areas like AI, quantum technology, and incident reporting

Tenable’s stance: Legislative stability is essential. Tenable supports long-term reauthorization of information sharing authorities, expanded SLTT funding, and clear, modern statutory frameworks that help agencies stay ahead of rapidly evolving threats. In fact, Tenable CSO Robert Huber recently testified before the House Homeland Security Committee’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee on the importance of the SLCGP program, the benefits of whole-of-state cybersecurity approaches, and the need to adopt an exposure management strategy to tackle evolving threats (for more information read How Exposure Management Can Efficiently and Effectively Improve Cyber Resilience for State and Local Governments).

Strengthen cyber leadership and strategic cohesion

The shutdown has slowed momentum in federal cybersecurity in part due to leadership vacancies and fragmented policy coordination.

The Coalition recommends:

• Swiftly filling key cybersecurity leadership positions at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), CYBERCOM, the National Security Agency (NSA), and other agencies
• Empowering the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) as the central authority for cybersecurity policy and strategy. Tenable is encouraged by National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross’ upcoming White House cyber strategy and private sector engagement. Funding for his office should support efforts to drive this strategy forward across government without delay
• Prioritizing AI-driven defensive capabilities outlined in the White House AI Action Plan
• Streamlining federal cyber regulations to reduce duplicative reporting requirements and ease the burden on resource-constrained security teams

Tenable’s stance: Unified leadership and cohesive strategy are foundational. Tenable supports expanding ONCD’s authority, strengthening interagency alignment, and ensuring regulatory clarity so agencies can focus on security outcomes and not on administrative complexity. Tenable is encouraged by Cairncross’ previews of the forthcoming national cybersecurity strategy, highlighting the need for stronger partnerships with the private sector.

Revitalize private sector engagement

The shutdown paused crucial collaboration between government and private industry, including the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC), a key coordination mechanism for critical infrastructure security.

The coalition calls for:

• Finalizing and implementing a restructured CIPAC framework so public-private collaboration can resume without delay

Tenable’s stance: Meaningful collaboration is one of the strongest levers we have against nation-state and criminal actors. Tenable supports restoring CIPAC and other engagement channels to ensure rapid information exchange, coordinated response, and shared resilience.

The reopening of the federal government is a pivotal moment. The Cybersecurity Coalition has outlined a clear roadmap for restoring cyber readiness and Tenable strongly supports these recommended actions. By accelerating modernization, advancing legislation, strengthening leadership, and restoring public-private collaboration, federal leaders can regain momentum and reinforce the resilience of U.S. systems, infrastructure, and national security. Tenable stands ready to partner with Congress, federal agencies, and National Cybersecurity Director Cairncross as they act on these recommendations and strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity posture for the challenges ahead.

Learn more

• Read the Cyber Coalition letter: Reinvigorating Federal Cybersecurity Initiatives: A Post Shutdown Call To Action for the Trump Administration and Congress
• Read our solutions overview to learn why exposure management is critical for federal agencies