Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

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.

Exclusive Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

FCC initiates process to ban Hong Kong Telecom in US

The agency has previously barred China-linked communications providers from operating on American soil.

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

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.”

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

Shutdown could erode cyber defenses by sidelining critical staff, experts warn

A government shutdown would also occur in parallel with the lapse of a critical cyber information-sharing law that could create legal liabilities for companies who send threat data to feds.

Exclusive Cybersecurity

‘Widespread’ breach let hackers steal employee data from FEMA and CBP

A Citrix vulnerability — suspected to have led to firings of multiple FEMA technology staff — enabled the breach, which let hackers pilfer data from FEMA servers connected to states at the southern border.

Cybersecurity

Vital cyber data-sharing law appears likely to expire amid looming government shutdown

Law firms are advising clients to prepare for this possibility, although the extent of information sharing that will cease if the law lapses remains unclear.