Cybersecurity
Top homeland security lawmaker calls for cautious cuts to CISA
“We have to be very careful about who and what we cut, because [the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency] does have a mission to overwatch our critical infrastructure and make sure the bad guys aren’t getting in,” said Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn.
Treasury regulatory office reports ‘major information security incident’
The disclosed breach into the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency comes just months after another incident involving Chinese hacks into Treasury Department offices.
Senator puts hold on Trump cyber nominee, citing ‘cover up’ of telecom security report
An unreleased 2022 report is said to contain vital information about the security posture of the U.S. telecommunications sector, according to Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who is blocking Sean Plankey’s nomination to lead CISA.
China is trying to recruit current and former feds, intelligence document warns
The notice is one of the first public acknowledgements from the U.S. intelligence community showing how adversaries are leveraging DOGE-led layoffs to target the government.
Top NSA, Cyber Command officials pulled from premier cybersecurity conference
Notifications about their speaking engagements went out Tuesday afternoon, just days after President Trump fired the head of NSA and Cyber Command.
Tariffs create more volatile environment for cyberattacks, industry executive warns
Tenable Co-CEO Steve Vintz told Nextgov/FCW that the potential trade wars stoked by the Trump administration’s tariffs facilitate conditions that incentivize hacking activity around the globe.
Cyber label program could expand past consumer goods, FCC commissioner predicts
Nathan Simington, the junior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, said a Biden-era cybersecurity labeling program could expand to cover wireless and industrial products.
Contractors could hack back against adversaries, top cyber Democrat says
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., said the federal government can’t protect everyone and the concept of asking private sector security companies to conduct offensive cyber operations is worth exploring.
Phishing campaign seeks to siphon Ukraine war intelligence from defense contractors
Nearly 880 spoofed domains of worldwide IT, defense and aerospace firms were identified between December and March, DomainTools Investigations says.
FCC to investigate potential US operations of restricted Chinese firms
The commission’s new chairman, Brendan Carr, believes that some or all of the companies on the FCC’s Covered List are still operating in the nation.
NIST’s vulnerability database logjam is still growing despite attempts to clear it
Vulnerability submissions increased 32% in 2024, NIST said. The agency is considering machine learning to automate certain vulnerability analysis tasks.
What’s next for cybersecurity, election info sharing?
Federal funding has been slashed by $10 million for two information sharing centers, which both have tens of thousands of members. A more fragmented and expensive future could follow as states and others go it alone.
Exclusive
Lawmakers seek DHS records in probe of US response to Chinese cyber campaigns
The House Homeland Security Committee wants DHS to provide internal documents on China’s Volt and Salt Typhoon hacking units, according to a letter being sent Monday.
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US spy chief probing classified chat rooms to pursue leakers
Tulsi Gabbard said recent examples of unauthorized leaks involve data about Iran, Israel, U.S.-Russia relations and activities in ODNI’s counterintelligence office.
US lawmakers ask UK court for transparency into Apple backdoor order
The court order issued by the United Kingdom centers on the UK’s 2016 Investigatory Powers Act, which was invoked to demand Apple provide a backdoor into users’ encrypted iCloud backups.
Elon Musk paid a visit to NSA, Cyber Command amid DOGE-led overhauls
Musk’s trip to the signals intelligence office and combatant command is the first recorded instance of him visiting an intelligence agency since President Trump assumed office.
Cyberspace Solarium Commission turns five years old
The commission has largely influenced cybersecurity policymaking in Congress through the first half of the decade.
Republicans urge Trump admin to launch offensive cyber operations against China
The letter cites high-profile Chinese intrusions into U.S. systems that have made headlines in recent months. Trump’s national security officials have expressed a desire to engage in offensive cyber ops against adversaries.
Top House cyber lawmaker to press DHS on key infrastructure group’s shutdown
Industry representatives say the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council has been a valuable information-sharing tool. It was disbanded last week under an order from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
OPM watchdog to investigate IT risks tied to DOGE’s agency access
The agency’s deputy inspector general began “an engagement to assess risks associated with new and modified information systems at OPM,” a letter to lawmakers says.
Civil liberties groups urge spy chief to declassify parts of contested surveillance program
Tulsi Gabbard’s views on the Section 702 program have run atypical to those of past spy chiefs, but it’s not clear what declassification authorities she immediately has.
