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.

Cybersecurity

Bipartisan Bill Bolsters FCC Motion to Ban Suspect Chinese Telecom Equipment

The Federal Communications Commission is already set to vote on a notice of proposed rulemaking on its equipment authorization program.

Cybersecurity

National Lab Recommends Energy Department Test Electric Utility Vendors for Cybersecurity

A broad spectrum of organizations are calling on regulators to improve suppliers instead of simply banning foreign companies.

Cybersecurity

Granholm refocuses Energy's cyber shop

The Energy Department is seeking 30% increase in funding for the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response, and plans new roles and new authority for the organization.

Cybersecurity

TSA preps second pipeline cyber directive

A senior TSA official told House lawmakers on Tuesday that it is preparing to issue a second security directive focused on cybersecurity mitigation measures used by pipeline companies.

Cybersecurity

White House Calls for Agencies and Tech Companies to Share Info to Combat Domestic Terrorism

A new strategy asks social media and communications companies to enforce their own policies to protect users from those who foment violence.

Cybersecurity

FDA Tells NIST Securing ‘Critical Software’ Extends Beyond Devices

Two federal agencies were among those who submitted comments to the National Institute of Standards and Technology for shaping deliverables under a recent executive order.

Cybersecurity

Key Senator Wants Biden to Raise SolarWinds in International Negotiations

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner said espionage campaigns like the SolarWinds hack merit discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Cybersecurity

Does the U.S. need a cyber force?

Gen. Paul Nakasone, the director of the National Security Agency and head of U.S. Cyber Command, told lawmakers that infrastructure deficits could prevent the creation of a service modeled on Space Force.

Cybersecurity

DHS poised to remake federal hiring in September to confront cybersecurity gap

The Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity Talent Management System has been years in the making, but officials say it will finally come online this fall.

Modernization

FBI Seeks a Vendor to Help with Multiyear IT Modernization Project

The Office of the Chief Information Officer is creating a new contract to help with the IT Modernization Initiative and other major efforts.

Ideas

It's Crunch Time for Homeland Security's Continuous Monitoring Program

To aggressively move forward and to defend critical infrastructure, we must first acknowledge the hurdles that stand before us. 

Cybersecurity

Warner previews breach notification bill

The chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence said he will introduce legislation to mandate that companies notify the government to major cybersecurity breaches, a promise several lawmakers have made this year.

Cybersecurity

White House Official Briefed State AGs on Private-Sector Role Battling Ransomware

The deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging tech emphasized the responsibility of the private sector at home as President Biden prepares to work the White House strategy abroad.

Modernization

Defense Officials Tout Proposed Tech Investments But Senators Focus on Divestments

Senate Armed Services Committee lawmakers focused on the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.