Cybersecurity

Hassan, Cornyn float bill to create new federal cybersecurity training programs

One part of the bill would create a pilot program to train vets to work in cybersecurity.

Ideas

Leveraging Encryption Keys to Better Secure the Federal Cloud 

In the same way we use a key to lock valuable assets in a safe deposit box, agencies can lock up encryption keys.

Cybersecurity

DOD Offering Defense Industrial Base a ‘Krystal Ball’ Into Adversary Insights

A pilot program is being run out of the Defense Department’s Cyber Crime Center, which is a key part of a strategy to secure the defense industrial base as the scope and severity of cyberattacks increase.

Digital Government

Pentagon May Be Underestimating IT Investment Risks, GAO Says

The Government Accountability Office evaluated 10 programs at a higher risk level than what was reported by DOD, according to a new report.

Cybersecurity

Bill Would Create Cyber Workforce Training Programs at CISA and VA

The two programs would look to increase the pool of cybersecurity experts for the public and private sectors, but with a focus on preparing trainees for federal jobs.

Cybersecurity

Small businesses ask Congress to focus CMMC on primes and DOD

Jonathan Williams, a partner at the Washington, D.C.-based law firm PilieroMazza, told lawmakers much of small businesses concerns could be assuaged if DOD and prime contractors shoulder the burden.

Cybersecurity

NIST defines 'critical software' under the cyber EO

The National Institute of Standards and Technology's new definition of "critical software" is foundational to new federal efforts to exert more control over the code supply chain.

Cybersecurity

Key Lawmaker Calls on Pentagon Leadership to Act on Cyber Certification Program

Members of the House Small Business Committee heard complaints of poor communication and coordination from the department on implementation of a controversial third-party auditing process.

Cybersecurity

Coast Guard confronts harassment and retaliation in the ranks

The U.S. Coast Guard wants to build out its cyber workforce, but will have to contend with budget restraints and culture issues surrounding sexual harassment and retaliation.

Cybersecurity

FCC Advances Efforts to Remove Untrusted Chinese Equipment from US Market

The Commission has set a date to vote on its most recent order for companies to rip and replace Huawei, ZTE and other gear from their networks.

Cybersecurity

FBI director wants more cooperation from ransomware victims

The bureau is seeking new funding to support cyber investigations and its own internal cybersecurity, but it also wants help from industry.

Cybersecurity

CISA Collaborating With White House on Forthcoming Zero-Trust Strategy

The agency has already released a draft model to guide agencies implementation of the concept under a recent executive order.

Cybersecurity

How NGA is handling hybrid telework

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has begun to relax some of its COVID-19 safety procedures, but the challenge has been managing workers across different physical locations, networks and work schedules.

Cybersecurity

Energy Department Revising Cybersecurity Requirements for Nuclear Administration Contractors

The changes are coming as the industry argues current regulations are overly burdensome.

Cybersecurity

CISA still in the dark about agency network defense plans

In the wake of the SolarWinds campaign, the agency in charge of federal agency cyber defense acknowledges some gaps in both its data collection and network monitoring capabilities.

Cybersecurity

NSA: Test Unified Communications Patches Before Installing

Guidance from the National Security Agency aims to protect communications carried over the internet from eavesdropping, denial-of-service attacks and other dangers.

Cybersecurity

Survey: Many water utilities lack data on IT, OT assets

The new survey data from an information sharing and analysis center was published on the same day a news outlet reported a water treatment facility in California was easily breached by an individual who possessed a former employee's credentials.

Cybersecurity

New bill looks to ramp up penalties for ransomware crooks

Three senators are aiming to pass new legislation that expands DOJ's power to go after botnets and stiffen penalties for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure by adding it to the upcoming infrastructure bill.