Cybersecurity
Dem lawmakers renew calls for release of delayed telecom security report
In a letter to DHS and ODNI, Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Mark Warner of Virginia said the release of a 2022 report detailing cyber vulnerabilities in the U.S. telecommunications sector is “critically important to U.S. national security.”
Government funding deal reups cyber grant program
Lawmakers reauthorized the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program as part of the deal to reopen the federal government, but funding remains an open question.
CMMC enforcement begins after eight years of warnings
"There is no excuse for industry to not be ready," observers say as enforcement begins.
Bill to end shutdown includes temporary cyber info-sharing law extension
The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 expired when the government’s calendar reset without a funding package for FY 2026.
CBO systems accessed in ‘security incident’ possibly tied to foreign hackers
The office estimates the cost and economic impact of proposed legislation and helps forecast federal spending, revenues, deficits and debt.
FCC to vote on reversing telecom security rulemakings next month
The initial measures proposed at the end of the Biden administration came in response to the Salt Typhoon telecom hacks carried out by China.
AI has leveled the field between cybercriminals and nation-state hackers, FBI official says
The FBI is slower to adopt AI tools due to the sensitive nature of the data that it works with, Brett Leatherman, the FBI Cyber Division head, said.
Upcoming White House cyber strategy to seek more involvement with private sector
The Trump 2.0 cyber strategy is in development, National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross said, though he did not elaborate on when it would be released.
CyberCorps talent pipeline buckles under Trump hiring freezes
The cornerstone program for training and placing student talent into government cybersecurity positions has been hobbled by recent federal employment logjams, jeopardizing workforce pipelines and leaving many recruits burdened by debt.
UN cybercrime treaty enables authoritarian regimes, top think tank argues
The agreement is scheduled to be signed in Vietnam next week, but the concept has raised concerns for some time.
US cyber policy goals have regressed during Trump 2.0 in ‘unprecedented setback,’ landmark report says
Cuts to various agencies and the politicization of disinfo-tracking work have slowed implementation goals set out five years ago by a congressionally authorized cybersecurity policy group.
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House Democrats want answers on CISA reassignments to border security, immigration roles
A letter led by Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., argues DHS violated the Antideficiency Act when it conducted a reduction in force during the government shutdown.
China accuses NSA of multi-year hack targeting its national time systems
“NSA does not confirm nor deny allegations in the media regarding its operations,” an NSA official told Nextgov/FCW.
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FCC initiates process to ban Hong Kong Telecom in US
The agency has previously barred China-linked communications providers from operating on American soil.
CISA orders government to patch F5 products after ‘nation-state’ cyber intrusion
“This cyber threat actor presents an imminent threat to federal networks using F5 devices and software,” CISA’s directive says. China-linked hackers previously exploited F5 vulnerabilities.
Top cyber lawmaker wants answers on CISA workforce reductions
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., penned a strongly-worded letter to CISA’s acting director asking for an update on the status of the cyberdefense agency’s staffing posture.
Inside America’s next information war
Washington is paring back its defenses against influence operations, even as adversaries supercharge them with AI. Much of the fight is shifting to the private sector.
Multiple CISA divisions targeted in shutdown layoffs, people familiar say
CISA units including its Stakeholder Engagement division are believed to have been hit. A DHS spokesperson said that the RIFs are meant to help get CISA “back on mission.”
Senator makes new attempt to extend cyber info-sharing law by 10 years
Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said he’s spoken directly with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., about renewing the 2015 Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, which lapsed when the government shut down.
Former CISA lead Matt Hartman joins Merlin Group as chief strategy officer
Hartman most recently served as acting head of cyber at the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency. He now joins Merlin to grow its partnerships with technology companies and government agencies.
Attorneys scramble to advise clients after lapse of key cyber info-sharing law
Organizations may lean on contract arrangements to facilitate data-sharing channels previously enabled by the now-expired regulation, a former U.S. official said.
