Author Archive
David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity Reporter, Nextgov/FCW
David DiMolfetta covers cybersecurity for Nextgov/FCW. Previously, he researched The Cybersecurity 202 and The Technology 202 newsletters at The Washington Post and covered AI, cybersecurity and technology policy for S&P Global Market Intelligence. He holds a BBA from The George Washington University and an MS from Georgetown University. Get in touch with him on X/Twitter: @ddimolfetta
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Policy
FCC to propose first undersea cable security overhaul since 2001
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel cited rising national security risks in conflict zones as a catalyst for the proposed updates to submarine cable regulations.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
New TSA cyber rules leave lawmakers, industry hopeful for happy medium regulations
The agency argues its Nov. 8 proposed rulemaking will dually address the transportation industry’s regulation concerns while ensuring they’re suitably protected from hackers. Others want to wait and see.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
Hackers nabbed emails between congressional staff and Library of Congress
Affected staff were notified Friday afternoon, according to an internal email. Capitol Hill communications with the Congressional Research Service frequently involve confidential legislative drafts or policies still in the brainstorming stage.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
FCC to soon announce lead administrator for cyber assurance program
More information will also be unveiled during the 2025 CES, Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger said.
- By David DiMolfetta
People
CISA Director Jen Easterly to depart on Inauguration Day
Easterly and Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan are set to leave as an administration change casts doubt on the agency’s future.
- By Alexandra Kelley and David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
US still backs UN cyber pact, but final approval awaits human rights safeguards
Some fear the convention would help legitimize authoritarian nations’ surveillance policies. The U.S. won’t formally ratify it until it sees human rights assurances.
- By David DiMolfetta
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
DHS issues internal comms guidance amid telecom breach investigation
The DHS Cyber Safety Review Board is already slated to investigate the hacking collective, dubbed Salt Typhoon, and its intrusion into telecommunications firms and wiretap infrastructure.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
Intelligence community briefed Congress on Chinese telecom intrusions
It’s believed the hackers, dubbed Salt Typhoon, accessed call records on numerous Americans, including officials and staff affiliated with President-elect Trump.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
Will cyber suffer under Trump’s goal to slash federal budgets?
Donald Trump’s intent to cut agency budgets has sparked concerns over adequate cybersecurity funding for government networks. Some believe these fears may be overstated.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
CISA has no data supporting claims of election cheating, official says
Baseless voting fraud claims were pushed by Donald Trump in 2020 and the final weeks of his presidency.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
Russian email domains sent uncredible bomb threats to polling places, FBI says
Kremlin-backed actors have a long record of sowing fear and disinformation into the U.S. election process.
- By David DiMolfetta
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Cybersecurity
CISA has not clocked any 'national-level significant incidents' impacting the election, official says
The agency is notably not in active contact with social media platforms but “if a threat were to arise that would necessitate us to do so, we would absolutely reach out,” Cait Conley said.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
Potential year-end cyber executive order may hinge on election results, people familiar say
The pending order will focus heavily on federal cyber standards and emerging tech threats, but remains in limbo amid the presidential election.
- By David DiMolfetta, Alexandra Kelley and Natalie Alms
Cybersecurity
Chinese telecom breaches won’t sway election outcomes, CISA chief says
The top U.S. cyber defense agency has seen “no evidence of activity that has the potential to materially impact the outcome of the presidential election,” Jen Easterly said Monday.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
Russia produced fake video of immigrant election fraud in Georgia, officials say
CISA is “very concerned” about the ways foreign adversaries might ramp up their efforts during the election certification period, one official said.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
Fed, intel and military groups warn data broker practices may threaten national security
The groups wrote a letter concerning a CFPB rule, which is still in development, that would require certain data brokers to follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
‘Every single American’ a target of election interference, former DHS official says
Adversaries have heavily accelerated efforts to sway the outcome of next week’s presidential election.
- By David DiMolfetta
Breaking News
Acquisition
US charges 6 for conspiring to defraud agencies through IT contracting schemes
The charges are the first in an ongoing Department of Justice investigation into “IT manufacturers, distributors and resellers” that sell to the government.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
UN cybercrime convention will ‘legitimize’ authoritarian nations’ cyber behavior, senators warn
The proposed treaty has ignited debate among officials, as it may offer adversaries a stronger voice in international discussions about cybersecurity and surveillance.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
Biden admin issues restrictions on US investments into sensitive tech tied to China
The rule takes effect Jan. 2 and focuses on emerging technologies that may galvanize Chinese military advancements.
- By David DiMolfetta