Cybersecurity
Watchdog cites potential improvements for State’s cyber diplomacy office amid agency reorg
The Government Accountability Office noted that the reorganization of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy could remove it from the direct line to leadership it enjoyed while under the Deputy Secretary’s office.
People
A DOGE aide involved in CFPB cuts owns stock prohibited by ethics laws
Gavin Kliger, a 25-year-old DOGE employee tasked with assisting in the recent rollout of more than 1,400 RIF notices at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau owns stock in several companies overseen by the agency.
Cybersecurity
‘Just wait’ to see how CISA reforms play out, DHS head tells cyber community
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has vowed to rework America’s core cyber defense agency amid GOP accusations of conservative censorship. Many in the cyber community have deemed the reductions a national security risk.
Acquisition
GSA unveils new unified procurement strategy
The General Services Administration aims to streamline the federal buyer-seller relationship with the launch of the new initiative.
Modernization
House lawmakers diverge on DOGE but point to bipartisanship on federal tech
Many of the witnesses opted not to discuss DOGE’s high-profile, controversial work on government tech and data during a Tuesday hearing.
Cybersecurity
Salt Typhoon hacks to influence final round of DARPA’s AI-cyber competition
This summer, seven teams will compete to craft a best-case model that uses AI to detect and fix open-source vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Recently discovered Chinese telecom hacks will help shape the final round, a top DARPA official said.
People
Cyber champion Robert Metzger dies after cancer battle
The defense industry is mourning the loss of a legal expert, widely known as the "Godfather of CMMC," whose work on supply chain security helped shape national standards.
People
Some DHS employees told to send selfies to prove they are in-office as department suddenly ends remote work
Employees are not being promised a place to work, but must report to any nearby office and ask if there is space for them.
Cybersecurity
People should be ‘outraged’ by efforts to shrink federal cyber teams, former CISA head says
As adversaries like China continue targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, Chris Krebs says we should "make CISA great again" amid expected cuts mounting inside the cyber agency.
Artificial Intelligence
National AI Action plan should expand open-source offerings, respondents say
During the open comment period, a multitude of entities — from private sector to academic research bodies — touted the benefits of a robust open-source AI ecosystem.
People
Connolly, top Democrat on oversight panel, will ‘soon’ leave post due to worsening cancer diagnosis
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., has led criticism of the Trump administration’s attempts to overhaul federal agencies.
People
IRS to lay off taxpayer experience, DEI staff
It is not clear what will happen next to projects being done by the Taxpayer Experience Office, like making IRS notices to taxpayers more simple.
Cybersecurity
Forthcoming NIST profile to address growing AI-cyber challenges
The Cyber AI Profile, currently in development, could help firms better prepare for hackers that use AI tools to enhance their cyberattacks, a top NIST official said at the RSAC Conference.
Artificial Intelligence
The Army has rolled out a generative AI workspace to improve daily operations
And because those tools guzzle cloud compute, the service is also looking at ways to cut costs and maintain efficiency.
People
Homeland Security CTO announces departure
David Larrimore, the agency’s chief technology officer and chief AI officer, said that April 25 was his last official day with the department.
Emerging Tech
Senators privately advocated to save DHS Centers of Excellence
Lawmakers representing Alaska and Nebraska held private conversations with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to pause funding terminations for their states’ Centers of Excellence.
Policy
Justice Dept. rescinds rules safeguarding media from government seizures
The rules, first issued under former Attorney General Merrick Garland, gave members of the press protections from legal mechanisms to obtain sensitive data linked to their reporting.
Ideas
Mounting cyber defense in the face of unexpected staff reductions
Strategies for dealing with cybersecurity challenges hitting agencies right now.
People
Ex-feds launch websites to help unemployed civil servants find new jobs
Many federal employees are looking for positions outside of government following reductions in force and the Trump administration’s push for workers to take separation incentives.
People