Cyber Defense

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.

CISA unveils plan to measure cybersecurity success

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's 2024-2026 cybersecurity roadmap  focuses on public-private partnerships and using metrics to gauge the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures.

Cyber workforce strategy requires buy-in across sectors, experts say

The new strategy released this week looks to address longstanding challenges in the cyber workforce – but it will require extensive cooperation from the private sector and academia to be successful, experts told Nextgov/FCW. 

The world is ‘reentering an era of strategic competition’ with cyber, official says

Cyberspace Ambassador Nathaniel Fick argued that the U.S. needs to be able to provide cybersecurity assistance to allies in a way that incorporates emerging technologies.

Biden selects NSA veteran as national cyber director nominee

White House officials named former National Security Agency official Harry Coker, Jr. as the nominee to replace former National Cyber Director Chris Inglis amid the ongoing implementation of the new National Cyber Strategy.

VA CIO says a zero trust ‘North Star’ is essential to secure veteran data 

VA Chief Information Officer Kurt DelBene told Nextgov/FCW that the department “faces a unique challenge” in adopting zero trust because of the need to secure veterans’ personal information. 

Justice to merge 2 offices in step with cyber implementation plan

The agency has been granted new and important roles under the Biden administration’s plan to safeguard U.S. digital networks.

White House announces new program to designate cyber-secure IoT devices

The Biden administration announced its Cyber Trust Mark labeling program to ensure commercial smart home devices have sufficient cybersecurity tech in place.

Experts warn of financial challenges and gaps in cyber implementation plan 

From a crucial lack of federal funding to longstanding issues with the cyber workforce, experts told Nextgov/FCW that the new cybersecurity implementation plan features major “financial potholes.”

White House unveils fiscal 2025 cybersecurity investment priorities

The administration is urging agencies to align their fiscal 2025 budget requests with recent guidance that prioritizes strengthening federal networks and systems against cyber intrusions.