Cybersecurity
VA Systems Vulnerable to Cyber Intrusions Due to Lack of Effective Oversight, Report Says
The Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General's office said the agency is "leaving its systems vulnerable to compromise by impostors who may gain access to protected information."
Cybersecurity
Cyber Threats Warrant a Government Reorganization, Former CISA Head Says
Inaugural CISA director Chris Krebs said the federal government should do more to respond to cybersecurity and data concerns.
Cybersecurity
Former CISA chief wants a new, cross-cutting new agency to lead federal cyber
Chris Krebs wants to establish a new agency to focus on privacy, data and cyber risks facing the U.S., or to pull the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency from under the Department of Homeland Security.
Cybersecurity
'Hack DHS' Bug Bounty Program to Begin Second Phase with New Contract Request
The contract is geared toward companies that can conduct crowdsourced events and competitions for vetted security researchers, to help bolster DHS’ cyber resilience.
Cybersecurity
FCC, FEMA Raise Alarm Bells About Vulnerabilities in Emergency Alert System
Both agencies warned that software and equipment vulnerabilities could allow hackers to transmit fake emergency messages or disrupt real ones.
Cybersecurity
Top Malware of 2021 Has Been in Use for Years, CISA Warns
The advisory highlights that such usage offers “opportunities to better prepare” and provides recommendations to mitigate cybersecurity threats.
Emerging Tech
Treasury Sanctions Cryptocurrency Mixer
The online digital money platform has proven to act as a haven for cyber criminals looking to launder illegal cryptocurrencies.
Cybersecurity
Finance Sector Deals Latest Blow to Cyber Solarium Construct Teetering in NDAA
Congress will return from the August recess faced once again with the challenge of building cybersecurity policy for private providers of critical infrastructure faster than industry can tear it down.
Cybersecurity
DOD failing to track progress on military alternatives to GPS, GAO says
A new report says military leaders don’t have enough information to make crucial decisions about ongoing efforts to develop alternatives to the Global Positioning System.
Cybersecurity
One Simple Fix Could Help Close the Federal Cyber Talent Gap
How to entice more students studying cybersecurity to work in government.
Cybersecurity
New Bill Would Unlock Cybersecurity Funding for Small Businesses
Sen. Maggie Hassan’s proposed law would help set up funds to protect smaller organizations from malware.
Cybersecurity
Text messages are federal records and must be saved, DOD orders
After news that Jan. 6 insurrection-related texts were wiped from former Pentagon officials’ phones, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks ordered data on department devices must be retained.
Cybersecurity
Misinformation Campaigns and Threats are Undermining Confidence in U.S. Elections, Official Says
CISA is ramping up efforts to defend voting systems from outside intrusion, but the spread of online misinformation and threats against election officials still damage faith in the electoral process.
Cybersecurity
A top senate democrat asks the defense watchdog to investigate a new batch of missing Jan. 6 texts
“I don’t know whether the failure to preserve these critical government texts from Jan. 6 is the result of bad faith, stunning incompetence, or outdated records management policies, but we must get to the bottom of it,” said Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
Cybersecurity
National Cyber Director’s office sheds light on forthcoming cybersecurity strategy
Building a more resilient cyber ecosystem tops the list, according to a top official from the office tasked with leading the initiative.
Cybersecurity
How the Cyber Ambassador In Waiting Plans to Control $1.5 Billion for Open Networks
The recently passed “CHIPS and Science Act” funds a grants program that the new State Department official will have a key role in steering, including to telecom networking firms.
Cybersecurity
NIST, CISA Finalizing Guidance for Identity and Access Management Post-SolarWinds
The epic intrusion campaign has turned up the brights on vendors providing authentication services, but agencies will still need to be actively engaged for effective implementation.
Cybersecurity
National Computer Forensics Institute up for reauthorization
The proposal would continue NCFI’s services through 2028 for any government employee who could help prevent or investigate cyber crimes.
Cybersecurity
A top senate democrat has asked DOJ to investigate missing Jan. 6 text messages
The Homeland Security watchdog has been under fire for its handling of the matter.
Cybersecurity