

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a pillar of the federal government’s cybersecurity, encryption, and emerging technology standards, is experiencing a high-level talent exodus recently. Multiple longtime leaders from NIST’s Computer Security Division (CSD) have left in recent months, creating a vacuum at a time when cybersecurity threats and emerging technologies are advancing at record speed.
Among those departing are Matthew Scholl, Chief of the Computer Security Division; Tim Hall, who led the Security Testing, Validation and Measurements Group; and David Ferraiolo, who headed the Secure Systems and Applications Group. Around ten additional staff members from the division have also exited the agency, according to one source.
NIST’s Computer Security Division plays a foundational role in crafting the standards and guidance used by government agencies, private industry, and academic institutions. Its contributions range from developing risk management frameworks like NIST 800-53 and NIST CSF, to advancing encryption standards and supporting the safe deployment of complex, emerging technologies.
(AI was used in part to facilitate this article.)