Cybersecurity
The Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Hackers Had a Secret Weapon: Self-Promoting Cybersecurity Firms
Five months before DarkSide attacked the Colonial pipeline, two researchers discovered a way to rescue its ransomware victims. Then an antivirus company’s announcement alerted the hackers.
Emerging Tech
IRS Wants Tools for Cracking Crypto Wallets
The agency’s Digital Forensics Unit wants to “tame the cybersecurity research into measured, repeatable, consistent digital forensics processes.”
Cybersecurity
Connecting and supporting the post-pandemic workforce
After a year of emergency response, IT leaders are planning for a permanently changed operating environment.
Cybersecurity
White House Advisers Consider Workforce Requirements for Critical Infrastructure Providers
The National Security Council asked the private-sector led National Infrastructure Advisory Council to focus a critical-infrastructure workforce study on cybersecurity and to speed delivery of its recommendations.
Cybersecurity
US Chamber Asks Government To Get More Involved In Ransomware Defense
The Chamber of Commerce offered six steps the federal government can take to help American businesses defend against and respond to ransomware cyberattacks.
Artificial Intelligence
Report Highlights How AI Could Amplify Future Disinformation Campaigns
The 70-page report assesses how neural networks and artificial intelligence could supercharge dis- and misinformation campaigns and sway the opinions of millions.
Cybersecurity
CISA Official Promotes an Emerging Cybersecurity Role in Wake of New Executive Order
Move over CISOs, it may be time to make room for chief product security officers.
Modernization
Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Help State and Cities Modernize IT Systems
The bill would provide $120 million annually for seven years to fund tech teams and tech planning grants.
Cybersecurity
Industry coalition asks appropriators to boost CISA funding
CISA received $650 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, but the agency's top officials have described that as only a "down payment" to move the government's cybersecurity efforts.
Digital Government
House Republicans Want China-Focused Bills Moved Through Regular Order
Committee ranking members signed a letter to Democratic leadership urging them to take advantage of the bipartisan support for passing legislation to boost U.S. innovation
Cybersecurity
37 Defense Industrial Base Companies Affected by SolarWinds Intrusion
A defense official told lawmakers the department’s CMMC program likely wouldn’t have guaranteed successful prevention of the SolarWinds breach.
Cybersecurity
House Panel Passes Bill to Explore Bringing State and Local Cybersecurity Workers into CISA
The Homeland Security Committee cleared several bills to address cybersecurity following the attack on Colonial Pipeline.
Cybersecurity
House advances cybersecurity bills in wake of pipeline company hack
Following a week filled with a devastating ransomware attack and a massive executive order to strengthen the federal government's networks, a House panel on Tuesday advanced several bills largely aimed at DHS and CISA.
Cybersecurity
Would CMMC compliance block a SolarWinds-style attack?
At a Senate hearing on Defense Department cybersecurity, lawmakers wanted to know whether a program aimed at hardening the security of the defense industrial base would thwart supply chain attacks.
Artificial Intelligence
Bill to Address Chip Shortage Is Only the Beginning, Senator Says
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said more legislation is necessary to keep pace with adversaries.
Emerging Tech
FTC Data Captures Record Surge in Cryptocurrency Scams
An official explained how “there are at least a couple of things in play” that are contributing to the highs.
Ideas
The Cybersecurity Executive Order Is a Missed Opportunity
This executive order is designed to strengthen federal cybersecurity, not that of the private sector, including critical infrastructure providers.
Podcasts
Critical Update: Do You Know What’s In Your Software?
In the wake of several major cybersecurity incidents, the government wants to shore up its software supply chain. Two experts explain the merits of some approaches and why there’s no silver bullet.
Cybersecurity
Leveraging the TMF for the secure modernization of high value assets
Prioritizing Technology Modernization Fund dollars for systems that support high-impact programs can drive major improvements in how IT supports key government missions.
Modernization