Cybersecurity

DARPA unveils winners of AI challenge to boost critical infrastructure cybersecurity

The AI Cyber Challenge aims to accelerate the distribution of open-source AI models to help patch the code that powers major infrastructure like water treatment plans and power grids. Four of the open-source models have already been made available for use.

Cybersecurity

Basic cybersecurity lapses are leaving US infrastructure exposed, top experts warn

To make U.S. networks more “toxic” to adversaries, “we need to have an ability for authentication to have some meaning,” former NSA director Gen. Paul Nakasone said.

Cybersecurity

Operational tech is ‘underprioritized’ in cyberdefense, experts tell Congress

Witnesses' calls for better investment in securing such systems come just two months before a key cybersecurity information-sharing law is set to expire.

Cybersecurity

Report: Iranian hackers are trying to create a psychological war in cyberspace

The Iran-linked CyberAv3ngers gang has evolved itself into a digital propaganda machine by combining recycled data leaks and theatrics to manufacture panic about hacks that never happened.

Cybersecurity

Cyber firms sunset free services meant to counter Russia-linked hacking threats

The 2022 initiative by Cloudflare, CrowdStrike and Ping Identity provided cybersecurity support to critical infrastructure sectors seen as potential targets of Russia-linked attacks.

Cybersecurity

‘I do not have confidence’ that US infrastructure is cyber-secure, former NSC official says

At the AI Expo for National Competitiveness, Anne Neuberger told audiences that artificial intelligence tools are an enhancement opportunity for U.S. cyber defenses and intelligence collection.

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.

Cybersecurity

Top House cyber lawmaker to press DHS on key infrastructure group’s shutdown

Industry representatives say the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council has been a valuable information-sharing tool. It was disbanded last week under an order from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

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.

Artificial Intelligence

DHS releases guidance for AI in critical infrastructure

The Department of Homeland Security worked with its diverse AI Safety and Security Board to develop a holistic approach for securing critical infrastructure that leverages AI technologies.

Cybersecurity

It’s time to rethink how wiretaps work after Chinese hack, experts say

The FCC sought a briefing from national security officials about the infiltration that was reported last Friday, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Cybersecurity

US efforts to stop Chinese hackers haven’t been fully effective, FBI official says

Taking a more offensive approach against the hacking collective may risk escalation with China, a senior intelligence official said Wednesday.

Cybersecurity

House lawmakers join effort to remove flagged Chinese tech from telecom networks

The companion proposal to a Senate bill would allocate an additional $3 billion to the Federal Communications Commission to help fund its ‘rip and replace’ reimbursement program.

Cybersecurity

DARPA edges closer to using AI to expose cyber vulnerabilities

Next year, seven teams will compete to polish off a best-case model that meshes AI and cybersecurity to detect and fix open-source vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.

Cybersecurity

US warns of Russian hackers targeting operational technology in water systems

The advisory represents official U.S. confirmation that Russian operatives have breached water systems.

Cybersecurity

Critical infrastructure cyberattacks pushed NSA to unmask thousands of U.S. identities through spying law

The number of U.S. identity unmaskings NSA conducted in response to requests from other agencies through Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act tripled in 2023 compared to the prior year.

Cybersecurity

Critical infrastructure blueprint gets long-awaited update but maintains status quo on key sectors

The memorandum reaffirms the statutory authority of America’s top cyber agency, but doesn’t update the primary list of critical sectors that can be targeted in cyberattacks, notably leaving out space infrastructure

Cybersecurity

Russian hackers breached, sabotaged Texas water treatment plant, cyber firm says

If confirmed by U.S. officials, it would add Moscow to the list of American adversaries that have infiltrated water infrastructure in the past year.

Cybersecurity

New bill would create a governing body for water system cyber standards

The legislation comes after the Biden administration rescinded a memorandum that would have tied water sector cyber reviews to existing sanitation surveys.