The Indian-origin Acting Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Madhu Gottumukkala, is facing a serious security review after allegedly uploading sensitive files to ChatGPT. You now see growing concerns about how senior officials handle government data.
What files were uploaded
Reports say the files included critical infrastructure data and internal government memos. You should note that these documents were marked “For Official Use Only” and were not meant for public access.
How the incident happened
Gottumukkala allegedly used the public version of ChatGPT in July 2025. You need to know that he had special permission to bypass normal restrictions on AI tools for federal officials.
CISA response
CISA is conducting an internal interview into his actions. Spokesperson Marci McCarthy said the usage was short-term and limited, but the agency still plans to block AI access.
Why experts are concerned
Many experts fear that such uploads create security risks. You should remember that ChatGPT has over 700 million users and uploaded data can be retained by OpenAI.
Past controversies resurface
This incident has revived older criticism around Gottumukkala. Several CISA staff members were placed on leave last year following decisions taken under his leadership.
Polygraph test issue
Gottumukkala had earlier pushed for polygraph tests but reportedly failed one himself. He later denied this, saying he did not accept the premise of that characterisation.
