In the midst of a government shutdown, a dangerous reality lurks just beneath the surface, one that is invisible to the untrained eye. While lawmakers in the Senate debate a myriad of issues, including the future of the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), professionals in the cybersecurity space are left with barely a skeleton crew to defend against ever-looming threats from foreign hackers. This isn’t just any routine argument; it’s a dire situation that could have serious repercussions for every American.

Hackers based in Beijing and Moscow are not taking a break. They are like kids in a candy store, their eyes gleaming with anticipation as they wait for a moment of weakness to exploit. While Congress squabbles about budgets and policies, these cybercriminals are poised to plunge entire cities into chaos. Imagine a scenario where hackers turn off a town’s water supply or freeze the systems of every hospital in the area through ransomware attacks. It’s a chilling thought, yet the reality is that while the government takes its time, these criminals are already gearing up for their next move.

As if that isn’t enough to give anyone pause, it’s important to consider the brave professionals like those in the Secret Service. They’re out there, with their earpieces in and protective demeanor on, standing guard over former presidents. While they are literally on the front lines of protecting national security, they’re also preoccupied with the uncertainty of their own lives—like how to cover the daycare bills for their kids amidst the shutdown. The strain is palpable, and in high-stress occupations, exhaustion can lead to dangerous complacency. When overlooking small details can result in a crisis, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Leaving the cybersecurity front line unmonitored is not just a minor oversight—it’s akin to leaving the keys to the front door with a thief. Thousands of containers could be rolling through ports without proper inspection, and gigabytes of malicious code could be hurled against firewalls with little to no resistance. The negligence that allows such vulnerabilities to fester is not some side effect of a distant conflict. It’s a self-inflicted wound, staggering in its implications. And all the while, some Senate Democrats are holding the entire Department of Homeland Security hostage over disputes regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies and body camera usage.

Here’s the irony: Last year, ICE was already allocated the budget necessary to maintain their operations. So, the shutdown doesn’t really hinder ICE at all; instead, it paralyzes the individuals and agencies dedicated to protecting Americans from harm. These policymakers, who have the power to affect change, seem to ignore the very real consequences of their actions. So, as the debate in Washington continues, one thing remains crystal clear: while politicians play their game, the needs of national security hang precariously in the balance.