Fired VA Cybersecurity Expert Warns of Veteran Data Risks

Fired VA Cybersecurity Expert Warns of Veteran Data Risks \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A former cybersecurity expert for VA.gov, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ benefits portal, warns that sensitive health and financial data for millions of veterans is at risk following mass layoffs under the Trump administration’s government downsizing effort. Jonathan Kamens, who led cybersecurity efforts for VA.gov, was fired on Feb. 14, leaving the site vulnerable as his role remains unfilled. Kamens criticized Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has taken over digital services responsibilities, arguing that unvetted individuals could gain access to veterans’ private information. Meanwhile, more than 20 civil service employees resigned in protest, citing concerns over mismanagement and potential misuse of government data.

Veteran Data at Risk After Cybersecurity Cuts: Quick Looks

• Fired VA Cybersecurity Lead Warns of Major Risks: Jonathan Kamens, former VA.gov cybersecurity expert, says millions of veterans’ personal and financial data could be vulnerable after massive government layoffs.
• Musk’s DOGE Agency Takes Over Digital Services: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has absorbed U.S. Digital Service responsibilities, raising concerns over unvetted access to sensitive data.
• Mass Resignations Over Cybersecurity Concerns: Over 20 civil service employees quit DOGE in protest, refusing to use their expertise to “dismantle critical public services”.
• VA.gov Handles Critical Veteran Information: The site stores Social Security numbers, health records, bank details, and military service data, which Kamens says could be compromised without proper oversight.
• Veterans Affairs Downplays Concerns: A VA spokesperson insists that security remains intact, but Kamens says his unique expertise is irreplaceable.
• Are Government Data Being Centralized? Kamens claims DOGE is attempting to break down security barriers between agencies, making data more vulnerable to abuse.
• What’s Next? Lawmakers and privacy advocates may push for investigations into how DOGE is handling cybersecurity and who has access to veterans’ sensitive data.

Deep Look

The massive government downsizing effort led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), overseen by Elon Musk, has created major security risks for sensitive veteran data, according to Jonathan Kamens, a recently fired cybersecurity expert for VA.gov.

Kamens, who was responsible for securing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ online benefits system, says the loss of key cybersecurity oversight could leave millions of veterans’ personal data vulnerable to hacking or misuse.

“VA.gov has access to a huge number of databases within VA in order to provide all of those benefits and services to veterans,” Kamens said. “If that information can’t be kept secure, then all of that information is at risk and could be compromised by a bad actor.”

Who Is Raising the Alarm?

Jonathan Kamens was hired over a year ago by the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), a team that managed cybersecurity for VA.gov, the online portal that processes veteran benefits, health records, and financial data.

Kamens was fired on Feb. 14 via email, along with around 40 other USDS employees, as part of Trump’s government restructuring initiative.

According to Kamens, his position as VA.gov’s cybersecurity lead has not been refilled, leaving the website and its users more vulnerable to cyber threats.

“I don’t think the people at VA … are going to be able to replace me,” he told The Associated Press.

What Data Is at Risk?

VA.gov handles personal, financial, and health information for millions of veterans, caregivers, and families, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Bank account and credit card details
• Private health records
• Military service history
• Disability and pension benefit information

With weaker security oversight, Kamens fears that cybercriminals, foreign actors, or unvetted individuals could exploit vulnerabilities, potentially leading to data breaches, fraud, or identity theft targeting veterans.

Concerns Over Musk’s DOGE Agency and Data Access

One of Kamens’ biggest concerns is that Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) now oversees the digital services previously handled by USDS.

He warns that Musk and his team do not have proper security clearances, yet could gain access to highly sensitive veteran data.

“These are people who have never been background-checked. They’re not confirmed to be trustworthy,” Kamens said.

He also pointed out that federal cybersecurity employees must pass background checks and drug tests to access veteran data, yet it is unclear if Musk’s DOGE appointees are held to the same standards.

“I don’t think they should have access to that data,” he added.

Mass Resignations and Internal Dysfunction

Kamens is not alone in raising concerns about the way DOGE is managing federal cybersecurity and data protection.

• On Tuesday, more than 20 former USDS employees resigned from DOGE, stating that they refused to use their expertise to “dismantle critical public services.”
• Kamens described chaos and confusion since DOGE took control, with employees unsure of their roles, unclear management structures, and key personnel being locked out of systems.
• He claims that DOGE is attempting to centralize federal databases, breaking down the decentralized security measures that previously protected sensitive information.

Are Veterans’ Data Being Exploited for Political Gain?

Kamens speculated that DOGE’s efforts to centralize government databases might not be just for efficiency, but for control.

“The only motive that I can think of,” he said, “is exactly because they want to be able to use that data to harm citizens that they perceive as enemies of the state.”

This alarming claim suggests that the restructuring of digital services could be leveraged for political targeting, further fueling concerns about data privacy under the Trump administration.

Veterans Affairs Responds

Peter Kasperowicz, a Veterans Affairs spokesman, downplayed the risks, stating that the loss of a single employee would not affect VA cybersecurity operations.

“The VA employs hundreds of cybersecurity workers within its nearly 470,000-person staff,” Kasperowicz said, indicating that security measures remain in place despite the staffing cuts.

However, Kamens argues that his specific expertise and role remain irreplaceable, as he was the only government employee with an engineering technical background working on VA.gov cybersecurity.

Potential Consequences of Reduced Cybersecurity Oversight

With Kamens’ position left vacant and DOGE taking control, the risks to veterans’ personal data could include:

• Increased cyberattacks targeting VA.gov
• Greater risk of identity theft and fraud against veterans
• Unauthorized access to military and health records
• Potential misuse of veteran data for political or commercial purposes

These concerns underscore the need for transparency regarding how DOGE is handling cybersecurity and who is overseeing critical government databases.

What’s Next?

• Calls for oversight: Lawmakers and cybersecurity experts may push for investigations into how DOGE is handling VA data protection.
• Potential legal challenges: If DOGE centralizes government databases, privacy groups could challenge the move in court.
• Further resignations: The departure of former USDS employees signals deeper unrest, and more experts may leave the federal workforce over cybersecurity concerns.
• Increased cybersecurity threats: Without proper oversight, VA.gov could become a prime target for hackers and bad actors.

As the fallout from Musk’s government restructuring continues, the security of veterans’ data hangs in the balance. Whether the administration will take steps to restore cybersecurity leadership or continue its aggressive downsizing remains to be seen.

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