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A former federal employee responsible for cybersecurity has warned that sensitive financial and health data of millions of veterans stored on a benefits website is vulnerable to theft or compromise.
Jonathan Kamens, who led cybersecurity efforts for VA.gov, a website used by veterans, their caregivers, and families, was fired on February 14 as part of government-wide cuts. He expressed concerns that his role may not be filled, leaving the site exposed to potential security threats.
“Given the current state of the government, I doubt that the VA will be able to replace me,” Kamens told The Associated Press. “As a result, I fear that the site will lack essential cybersecurity oversight.”
Kamens, hired by the U.S. Digital Service, noted that his duties, along with those of other employees, have been integrated into the Department of Government Efficiency, led by presidential adviser Elon Musk. Kamens was a digital services expert and information security lead when he was fired via email, along with about 40 other USDS employees.
Millions of people use the VA.gov website monthly, and the department is responsible for securing private health and financial information, including bank account numbers and credit card numbers. While other team members will focus on protecting the site, Kamens’ expertise cannot be replaced, as he was the only government employee with an engineering technical background working on cybersecurity.
“VA.gov has access to numerous databases within the VA to provide benefits and services to veterans,” Kamens said. “If that information cannot be kept secure, it is at risk of being compromised by malicious actors.”
Peter Kasperowicz, a Veterans Affairs spokesman, stated that the loss of a single employee would not affect operations, citing the department’s nearly 470,000 staff members, including hundreds of cybersecurity workers.
Meanwhile, more than 20 civil service employees who previously worked for USDS resigned from DOGE on Tuesday, refusing to use their technical expertise to “dismantle critical public services.”
Kamens expressed concerns about the potential risks of data centralization, which could increase the chances of abuse. He also described the confusion that has arisen since DOGE became involved, with employees unclear about their management structure and work becoming isolated.
“The only motive I can think of is that they want to use that data to harm citizens they perceive as enemies of the state,” Kamens said.
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