Cybersecurity
Salt Typhoon hackers possibly targeted telecom research at US universities
Recorded Future’s latest findings shed light on how widespread the Salt Typhoon campaign has become since it was uncovered last year.
People
CISA staff focused on disinformation and influence operations put on leave
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has committed to rescoping the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency so that it pivots away from disinformation matters.
People
Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as Trump’s intelligence chief
As Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard is now poised to oversee the nation’s 18 spy agencies, including the CIA, NSA and related organizations in the Pentagon.
Cybersecurity
Trump to nominate former RNC official to be national cyber director
It’s not clear how Sean Cairncross would address ongoing ONCD efforts, as the Trump administration has sought to refocus certain cyber priorities in the federal government.
Cybersecurity
Coast Guard workforce lacks maritime cyber expertise, watchdog says
The maritime service says it will develop “competency requirements” for relevant personnel by the end of December. It’s also planning new procedures to document maritime cyber incidents.
Cybersecurity
AI-cybersecurity firm Andesite secures added $23M in funding
The company, which is led by former CIA officials and other ex-national intelligence chiefs, also unveiled a new security operations center product, the firm first told Nextgov/FCW.
People
DOGE deputies land at State Department tech bureau with USAID emails
One of the people, 19-year-old Edward Coristine, reportedly had extensive interactions with cybercrime groups.
Cybersecurity
In reversal, CISA workforce now permitted to take deferred resignation offer
The move could enable the Trump administration to reduce the size and scope of the cyber agency.
Cybersecurity
OPM asks to dismiss email server lawsuit, citing misinterpretation of law
The agency notably released a privacy impact assessment for the dubious email server used to mass-message federal employees about a deferred resignation offer on the same day as the legal dismissal request.
Policy
DIA, NGA among growing number of intel agencies offering buyouts
The intelligence community workforce has been given an offer to leave their jobs early in exchange for pay until September, similar to a proposal extended to civilian agencies.
Digital Government
Unions sue Treasury over DOGE access to payment systems
Anonymous plaintiffs also called for a temporary restraining order Tuesday to prevent OPM from using a newly installed email system to mass-message federal employees.
Cybersecurity
Trump’s anti-DEI efforts damage national security, former officials say
The rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives weakens intelligence operations, erodes workforce morale and limits the U.S. government’s ability to navigate global threats, former national security officials argue.
People
Karen Evans joins CISA as a senior advisor
Evans is a former DHS CIO and Energy Department cybersecurity official who's had a long career contributing to the U.S. cyber and technology landscape.
Cybersecurity
CISA among DHS offices exempt from taking OPM’s deferred buyout offer
President Trump’s DHS chief said she wants to scale back the cybersecurity agency’s size and mission scope.
People
Trump’s FBI pick opposes warrant requirement for contested spying power
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Kash Patel said a warrant for Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act “is just not comported with the requirement to protect American citizenry.”
People
Gabbard’s past Snowden remarks raise concerns at DNI confirmation hearing
Senators also questioned Trump’s pick to be director of national intelligence over whether a controversial spying authority needed additional reforms in place.
Digital Government
OPM’s new email system sparks questions about cyber compliance
Until very recently, the Office of Personnel Management lacked the capability to send mass emails to all federal employees, a person familiar said, fueling concerns that the agency bypassed procurement rules.
People
Senate confirms Kristi Noem to head Trump’s DHS
Noem is likely to direct a reevaluation of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s spending priorities, amid GOP accusations that the agency censored conservative views online.
People
Senate confirms John Ratcliffe to lead CIA
Ratcliffe, the former director of national intelligence in the final months of Trump’s first term, drew controversy over perceived politicization of intelligence assessments.
Cybersecurity