Cybersecurity

Cyber workforce strategy requires buy-in across sectors, experts say

The new strategy released this week looks to address longstanding challenges in the cyber workforce – but it will require extensive cooperation from the private sector and academia to be successful, experts told Nextgov/FCW. 

Cybersecurity

White House releases strategy to expand the U.S. cyber workforce

The plan includes measures for improving cybersecurity knowledge at all levels of education and improving how the federal government attracts, hires and pays cybersecurity workers.

Cybersecurity

North Korea's cyber-enabled sanction evasion requires tougher response, lawmakers and experts say

Pyongyang’s growing reliance on cybercrimes to circumvent international sanctions should push the U.S. and its allies to fully enforce existing sanctions and review whether more regulations are needed to govern digital currencies.

Cybersecurity

The world is ‘reentering an era of strategic competition’ with cyber, official says

Cyberspace Ambassador Nathaniel Fick argued that the U.S. needs to be able to provide cybersecurity assistance to allies in a way that incorporates emerging technologies.

Cybersecurity

SEC announces new cyber reporting rules for companies

After noting the increasing number of cyberattacks on U.S. networks, the SEC is asking company leadership for quick cyber incident disclosures and more documentation. 

Cybersecurity

DOD, OMB expect September release of proposed CMMC rule

The rule that details the defense industrial base's new cybersecurity standard appears ready for review at the Office of Management and Budget.

People

Biden selects NSA veteran as national cyber director nominee

White House officials named former National Security Agency official Harry Coker, Jr. as the nominee to replace former National Cyber Director Chris Inglis amid the ongoing implementation of the new National Cyber Strategy.

Cybersecurity

VA CIO says a zero trust ‘North Star’ is essential to secure veteran data 

VA Chief Information Officer Kurt DelBene told Nextgov/FCW that the department “faces a unique challenge” in adopting zero trust because of the need to secure veterans’ personal information. 

Cybersecurity

IRS needs better documentation for its cyber threat hunts, watchdog says

A new report noted that a lack of “established policies and procedures” could prevent the tax agency from meeting federal requirements.

Cybersecurity

'Evolving' CISA program helped agencies quickly respond to recent cyber incidents

CISA’s Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program uses close collaboration with federal agencies to identify and respond to cyber threats, including last month’s MOVEit breach.

Cybersecurity

FTC, HHS warn of potential privacy and security risks embedded in online health sites

The agencies noted hospitals and telehealth providers could be exposing sensitive patient health information through online tracking tools like Meta Pixel and Google Analytics.

Cybersecurity

Justice to merge 2 offices in step with cyber implementation plan

The agency has been granted new and important roles under the Biden administration’s plan to safeguard U.S. digital networks.

Cybersecurity

US power grid faces escalating cyber threats, infrastructure experts warn

The power grid is experiencing heightened threats from foreign adversaries and domestic extremist groups that can pose devastating consequences for the nation’s supply of electricity, experts told a House subcommittee on Tuesday. 

Cybersecurity

White House seeks public insight to harmonize ‘inconsistent’ cyber regulations

The Biden administration wants to use public feedback to shape baseline cybersecurity regulations that function across industries and sectors. 

Cybersecurity

White House announces new program to designate cyber-secure IoT devices

The Biden administration announced its Cyber Trust Mark labeling program to ensure commercial smart home devices have sufficient cybersecurity tech in place.

Cybersecurity

Experts warn of financial challenges and gaps in cyber implementation plan 

From a crucial lack of federal funding to longstanding issues with the cyber workforce, experts told Nextgov/FCW that the new cybersecurity implementation plan features major “financial potholes.”

Cybersecurity

Bipartisan FISMA update looks to tweak cyber incident reporting rules for agencies

The legislation proposes new requirements for disclosing cyberattacks, assigns guidance for A.I.-enabled cyber, codifies the Federal CISO role and more.

Cybersecurity

New White House cyber plan leaves digital identity action items out

Officials noted that identity action items could still be included in later iterations of the national cybersecurity strategy implementation plan. 

Cybersecurity

New White House cyber implementation plan looks to ramp up resilience

The plan, released Thursday morning, includes more than 65 “high-impact initiatives” that federal agencies will be tasked with executing to achieve the objectives outlined in the national cybersecurity strategy.