Cybersecurity

CISA warns on new threat group using VPN flaw

A new report by the government's cybersecurity agency warns about another threat actor using malware initially discovered during the response to the intrusion involving SolarWinds.

Cybersecurity

CISA issues third emergency directive since SolarWinds

The government's cybersecurity watchdog is increasingly issuing emergency instructions to agencies for handling high-risk vulnerabilities, something analysts say reflects both CISA's stature and the environment its working in.

Cybersecurity

CISA confirms U.S. agencies affected by Pulse Connect VPN vulnerabilities

The cybersecurity firm FireEye suspects at least one of the campaigns it reported on operates on behalf of the Chinese government.

Cybersecurity

White House launches cybersecurity push targeting electricity sector

The pilot program to improve the cybersecurity of the nation's electricity infrastructure is part of a broader initiative focused on industrial control systems.

Cybersecurity

White House stands down groups tackling SolarWinds, Microsoft Exchange

The move comes days after the administration sanctioned Russia for its alleged role in the cyberattacks

Cybersecurity

White House sanctions Russia over SolarWinds campaign, election interference

The White House today announced a sanctions package targeting the Kremlin, Russian technology companies and financial institutions for hacking and misinformation efforts.

Cybersecurity

Biden taps Inglis, Easterly for top cyber jobs

National Security Agency veterans will serve as first national cyber director and lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Cybersecurity

White House plans order on industrial control systems

The move tracks with a schedule "sprint" on the risks posed by insecure industrial control systems scheduled for this summer by the Department of Homeland Security.

Cybersecurity

Top cyber slots still unfilled amid multiple crises

Chris Krebs, the former CISA director, has been vocal in recent months about the need for his old job to be filled in short order while the administration confronts multiple cybersecurity problems within the federal government.

Cybersecurity

Senators seek details on Einstein's performance and limitations

Ahead of its scheduled reauthorization next year, two senators are seeking detailed information about Einstein, a government cybersecurity program that has come into the spotlight in the wake of the breach involving SolarWinds.

Cybersecurity

CISA, FBI warn of hacking threat against Fortinet product

The advisory warns that an unattributed threat actor is using known vulnerabilities in a Fortinet security product to gain access to government and industry networks.

Cybersecurity

Krebs cautions on push for national cyber director

The former CISA chief expressed confidence in Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger to help the White House confront the multiple cybersecurity incidents it is facing.

Cybersecurity

Mayorkas announces cyber 'sprints' on ransomware, ICS, workforce

The Homeland Security secretary announced a series of focused efforts to address issues around ransomware, critical infrastructure and the agency's workforce that will all be launched in the coming weeks.

Cybersecurity

CMMC body hires ex-CISA deputy as first CEO

The governing body in charge of implementing the Defense Department's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program has hired Matthew Travis, former CISA deputy director, as new CEO.

Cybersecurity

Impatient lawmakers press Biden for cyber director nominee

President Joe Biden has said cybersecurity will be a top priority for his administration, but two senior positions focused on the issue remain either vacant or held by an acting official.

Cybersecurity

CISA head: Group of SolarWinds victims is 'solidified'

Brandon Wales, the acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, also said his agency is still working to determine if any federal networks were compromised by vulnerabilities discovered in Microsoft Exchange.

Cybersecurity

An ambitious cybersecurity strategy is just a starting point

With funding and the help of top experts, the Biden administration can make tangible progress toward modernization, but much work remains to be done.

Cybersecurity

Agency hacks could accelerate push to zero trust security model

Chris DeRusha, the federal chief information security officer, said agencies largely have the tools they need to adopt zero trust security protocols but making a change will "require a shift in mindset."

Cybersecurity

Senators press for federal agency accountability over SolarWinds

Three top cybersecurity officials struggled to answer questions from lawmakers about who is to blame for the government's failure to stop the breach of nine federal agencies.

Cybersecurity

House panel advances industrial control systems bill

New legislation puts the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in the center of federal response to threats to computerized industrial systems.