Cybersecurity
Former intelligence officials denounce job cuts to federal cyber roles
In testimony before a House panel, they said the moves — which have largely affected the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency — are harmful to national security.
People
Karen Evans named top cyber official at CISA
Most recently listed as a senior advisor in the agency’s cybersecurity division, Evans has held multiple roles in government cybersecurity and IT.
Cybersecurity
DOGE employee Edward Coristine lands at CISA with DHS email
A handle dubbed “Rivage” was reportedly tied to Coristine, and used to discuss and solicit hacking activities with a cybercrime syndicate known as The Com.
People
CISA staff focused on disinformation and influence operations put on leave
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has committed to rescoping the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency so that it pivots away from disinformation matters.
Cybersecurity
In reversal, CISA workforce now permitted to take deferred resignation offer
The move could enable the Trump administration to reduce the size and scope of the cyber agency.
Defense
DHS personnel descend on New Orleans to help secure Super Bowl LIX
CISA has already conducted physical and cybersecurity vulnerability assessments ahead of the Feb. 9 NFL championship game.
People
Karen Evans joins CISA as a senior advisor
Evans is a former DHS CIO and Energy Department cybersecurity official who's had a long career contributing to the U.S. cyber and technology landscape.
Cybersecurity
CISA among DHS offices exempt from taking OPM’s deferred buyout offer
President Trump’s DHS chief said she wants to scale back the cybersecurity agency’s size and mission scope.
People
Senate confirms Kristi Noem to head Trump’s DHS
Noem is likely to direct a reevaluation of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s spending priorities, amid GOP accusations that the agency censored conservative views online.
Cybersecurity
Democrats worry over Trump funding priorities for CISA’s disinfo efforts
President Donald Trump’s nominee to run DHS wants the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to be smaller and stay out of monitoring disinfo.
People
Trump’s DHS pick says CISA is ‘far off-mission’ and should be smaller
Current South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem wants CISA to be “refocused” on critical infrastructure and to no longer address mis- or disinformation efforts online.
Cybersecurity
Salt Typhoon breach was first detected on federal networks, CISA head says
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly said the group was first detected “before we understood it was Salt Typhoon.”
Cybersecurity
CISA orders federal agencies to secure their cloud environments
Federal civilian agencies are compelled by the Binding Operational Directive to adopt specific cloud standards under SCuBA, a government blueprint that helps agencies assess cloud security security guidelines.
Cybersecurity
CISA issues updated draft of national cyber incident response plan
The NCIRP was first released in 2016. The updates include pathways for non-federal groups to get involved in responding to devastating cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity
Chinese telecom espionage began with ‘much broader’ aims, officials say
The U.S. has been investigating the Salt Typhoon hackers since late spring and early summer this year, a senior FBI official said.
People
CISA Director Jen Easterly to depart on Inauguration Day
Easterly and Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan are set to leave as an administration change casts doubt on the agency’s future.
Cybersecurity
CISA has no data supporting claims of election cheating, official says
Baseless voting fraud claims were pushed by Donald Trump in 2020 and the final weeks of his presidency.
Cybersecurity
Russian email domains sent uncredible bomb threats to polling places, FBI says
Kremlin-backed actors have a long record of sowing fear and disinformation into the U.S. election process.
Cybersecurity
CISA has not clocked any 'national-level significant incidents' impacting the election, official says
The agency is notably not in active contact with social media platforms but “if a threat were to arise that would necessitate us to do so, we would absolutely reach out,” Cait Conley said.
Cybersecurity