Cyber Defense

NIST releases revised cyber requirements for controlled unclassified information

The proposed revisions will ideally serve as a “balanced, strong starting point” for agencies and contractors that deal with sensitive information, a NIST official said.

Cyber Director nominee talks AI, collaboration at confirmation hearing

Harry Coker, the Biden Administration's choice to lead the Office of the National Cyber Director, said he'll draw on his experience as a program manager to make sure agencies hit their milestones on implementing the government's cyber strategy.

DISA looks to the open market for secure web browsing contract

A contracting notice indicates that the Defense Department is looking to compete the service that protects its systems from web-based attacks.

US cyber agencies in 'very close contact' with Israel after unprecedented Hamas attacks

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is “working in partnership” with Israeli cyber forces to thwart cyberattacks, a top official said on Thursday.

CISA launches ‘Secure Our World’ Cybersecurity Awareness Month

This year looks to be bigger than ever, due in no small part to the massive uptick in cyberattacks across the board.

Democrats fear cyberattacks as government shutdown looms

Lawmakers are expressing concerns that the shutdown could radically hinder the work of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in responding to major ransomware incidents and other digital intrusions. 

New Pentagon cyber strategy emphasizes industry and global partnerships

A top Defense Department official described the private sector as “absolutely essential” in implementing the agency’s new cyber strategy.

HHS looks to improve cybersecurity coordination

The agency is utilizing a relaunched cybersecurity coordination center and additional programs to significantly ramp up interactions with key partners, a top official said.

CISA seeks vendor commitments to boost cybersecurity in K-12 schools

The nation’s cyber defense agency is building onto White House efforts to secure schools' systems nationwide with the help of major education software companies.

Emerging tech is an SBA priority for both internal systems and external assistance

The Small Business Administration is leading the charge to democratize access to emerging technologies — particularly AI — across U.S. companies.

FDIC needs to sharpen its cyberthreat sharing with financial institutions, OIG says

Despite recent improvements, a watchdog report claims the agency still has more it can do to make threat-sharing policies more effective. 

Army hopes big-data techniques can help secure its clouds

“Multifactor authentication will not be enough,” said the Army’s senior cyber leader.

White House looks to shore up open source software security

The Office of the National Cyber Director wants software providers to "contribute back to the security of the open source software they depend upon."

White House plan to secure schools from cyber threats ‘may not go far enough,’ experts say

As families across the country prepare for the back-to-school season, federal officials are preparing for increased cyberattacks targeting the nation’s education system.

White House and DARPA challenge innovators to bring AI tools to cyber defense

The AI Cyber Challenge asks leading companies to develop advanced AI systems that will contribute to critical infrastructure cybersecurity — with nearly $20 million available in prizes.

Updated NIST cyber framework focuses on on governance

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking public feedback on its revamped Cybersecurity Framework, which includes guidance on operationalizing cyber best practices.

White House cyber office makes new workforce-focused hire

Daniel “Rags” Ragsdale is joining the White House Office of the National Cyber Director, following work in the private sector, Defense Department and cyber research space.