The protection of confidential data in the US Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is under threat due to the abolition of dozens of cybersecurity contracts, according to Former chief technologist Eri Meyer. Meyer expressed her concerns in court, warning that the hasty termination of contracts could not only complicate the bureau’s operations but also jeopardize data safety.
Meyer highlighted that the cancellation of 32 contracts has impacted key services, including audit. These contract terminations were part of the efforts by the Trump administration to reduce CFPB powers, which included closing the bureau’s headquarters in Washington, the dismissal of its leader, Jonathan Mckernan, and other employees.
The announcement of the terminated contracts on February 14 was made by the Ilona Mask team, which evaluates the effectiveness of state institutions’ work. This disclosure came just a day before a court order mandating CFPB to ensure data safety, raising questions about the bureau’s ability to comply with the judicial order.
Meyer’s statement was presented as part of a claim by the National Trade Union of Treasury Services challenging the dismissal of CFPB employees. Acting director Russell VUUT suspended most bureau activities upon taking office on February 7 and on February 27, the bureau dropped several claims made under the Biden administration against major creditors.
The weakening of cybersecurity in such a crucial department poses a risk not only of data breaches but also of endangering the country’s financial security. Political decisions made without considering technological risks often lead to more problems than solutions, especially when citizens’ safety is at risk, potentially resulting in unforeseeable consequences.