Cybersecurity
CISA to cease participation at RSAC conference after Biden-era cyber leader named CEO
The decision, which has been in motion over the last week, highlights the Trump administration’s push to strictly control how current officials participate in industry events linked to former senior leaders now under White House scrutiny.
Cybersecurity
Democrats press CISA’s acting chief over major staffing cuts
Madhu Gottumukkala also faced questions about a reported failed polygraph exam and attempts to reassign the agency’s chief information officer.
People
CISA budget bill would require agency to maintain ‘sufficient’ staffing levels
The congressional justification diverges from steps taken last year to curb the agency’s workforce and election security footprint.
Modernization
Funding bill extends TMF and cyber measures through September
The authorization for the Technology Modernization Fund had lapsed in December, leaving its leadership unable to make new investments.
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker worries NSF program loophole enables Chinese institutions to access US-backed computing resources
Chinese entities are able to access a stockpile of high-performance computing tools funded by the U.S. government, creating potential technology transfer risks, Rep. John Moolenaar said in a letter sent this week.
People
Trump officials consider skipping premier cyber conference after Biden-era cyber leader named CEO
Jen Easterly, who led the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency under Biden, was named CEO of RSAC Conference Thursday.
People
Rudd defends qualifications to lead NSA, Cyber Command at confirmation hearing
“For decades I have had the opportunity to be a leader, consumer, enabler, generator and integrator of the intelligence and operational capabilities of the NSA and Cyber Command,” INDOPACOM Deputy Commander Josh Rudd said.
People
Experts see NSA nominee’s Pacific experience as a boost to US cyber posture on China
Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd currently serves as deputy commander of Indo-Pacific Command.
People
Trump renominates Plankey to lead CISA
The cyberdefense agency has been without a permanent director for the past year.
Cybersecurity
Experts press for large‑scale US offensive cyber operations at House hearing
The U.S. will be “hamstrung” until it fully integrates cyber and computer network matters into its military doctrine, the head of the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure said.
People
NSA alum returns to agency to serve as deputy director
Tim Kosiba became the number two leader in the National Security Agency after a prior deputy pick was jettisoned following criticism from far-right activist Laura Loomer.
Cybersecurity
Chinese hackers targeted email systems of US congressional staff, people familiar say
The incident adds another chapter in a storied history of China’s cyber attempts to nab sensitive data from U.S. government systems.
Cybersecurity
EEOC experienced security incident involving contractor’s ‘unauthorized’ access, email says
The agency at the center of the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul U.S. anti-discrimination regulations in workplaces is reviewing the matter with law enforcement.
Cybersecurity
Analysts watch for heightened cyber, disinformation campaigns following Venezuela raid
Disinformation operations have been spotted, but there are no signs the efforts are being coordinated through a foreign government, one observer told Nextgov/FCW.
Cybersecurity
UL Solutions withdraws as lead admin for FCC cyber label program amid probe into China ties
It’s not immediately clear who would administer the program, which was launched under Biden to help designate cyber-secure consumer electronic devices.
Cybersecurity
Cyber experts pinpoint what to look out for in 2026
Expect significant innovations in AI-driven cyber tools and a closer convergence between cybersecurity and geopolitics, they said.
Cybersecurity
Senate adjourns without confirming CISA director
Sean Plankey’s nomination faltered as lawmakers ran out the clock after a tumultuous year of workforce reductions. The cyberdefense agency enters the new year without a permanent leader as the White House finalizes a sweeping national cyber strategy.
People
Senate confirms Ethan Klein to be fifth US CTO
In a sweeping nominee package, Klein was confirmed alongside Kirsten Davies to be DOD CIO and Pedro Allende to be DHS Undersecretary for Science and Technology.
People
Trump formally taps Joshua Rudd to lead NSA, Cyber Command
The nomination marks a turning point for the electronic surveillance and hacking teams that have been without a permanent leader for eight months.
Cybersecurity