The documents were not marked confidential but were labelled “for office use only.” Multiple Department of Homeland Security officials told Politico that the uploads set off safeguards designed to prevent sensitive government information from being exposed.
Educational background
Madhu is of Indian-origin and responsible for protecting federal networks from cyber-attacks, including those linked to Russia and China.
He also holds a PhD degree in Information Systems from Dakota State University, an MBA in Engineering and Technology Management from the University of Dallas, an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Andhra University.
Obtained special permission to use the AI bot
Gottumukkala obtained special permission to use ChatGPT, which most of the employees are not allowed to use and access. Data entered into the public version of ChatGPT, built by OpenAI, can potentially be retained and used to improve the system, raising concerns about wider exposure.
CISA sought to downplay the episode. In an emailed statement to Politico, agency spokesperson Marci McCarthy said Gottumukkala was granted permission to use ChatGPT with DHS controls in place, describing the usage as short-term and limited.
“Acting Director Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala last used ChatGPT in mid-July 2025 under an authorized temporary exception,” McCarthy said, adding that CISA’s default position remains to block access to the tool unless an exception is granted.
Politico also reported that several CISA staffers were placed to leave last year after Gottumukkala failed a polygraph test he had pushed to implement. He has denied failing the test, telling lawmakers he did not accept the premise of that characterization.
