Exclusive
Emerging Tech
White House expected to direct intelligence agencies to protect quantum research from foreign threats
The executive order is expected this week and tasks the departments of Defense and Energy to build and host a quantum computer for scientific discovery.
People
FBI taps Karl Robert Schumann as new CIO
Schumann has been at the FBI for more than 20 years, rising from special agent to the agency's IT head.
Cybersecurity
US seizes alleged China-linked sites targeting security clearance holders
Prosecutors said the domains posed as legitimate consulting companies to recruit current and former U.S. officials into sharing sensitive government information for payment.
Cybersecurity
Government official impersonation scam complaints doubled in 2025, FBI report shows
The scams, some of which were fueled by AI, can be especially effective because they exploit the built-in authority and urgency people associate with institutions.
Cybersecurity
Suspected Chinese breach of FBI system exposed surveillance targets’ phone numbers
Access to this data could help foreign hackers determine who the U.S. is spying on.
Cybersecurity
Pro-Iran hackers claim breach of FBI director’s email
The leaks appear to be authentic, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Cybersecurity
CISA, FBI have engaged with Stryker staff after cyberattack, official says
Industry groups are seeing a “steady state” of Iran-linked hacking activity but observers should still keep their eyes peeled, CISA’s Nick Andersen said.
Cybersecurity
FBI queries of Americans’ data under FISA 702 rose 35% in 2025
The controversial spying power, which allows agencies to access foreigners’ overseas communications without a warrant, will expire in April unless Congress renews it. The White House is pushing for a clean extension.
Cybersecurity
FBI is probing ‘suspicious’ breach into bureau networks
Initial reporting tied the incident to the FBI’s wiretap systems, which are used to lawfully surveil suspected criminals and spies.
Cybersecurity
Chinese telecom hackers likely holding stolen data ‘in perpetuity’ for later attempts, FBI official says
“I think it’s important to say we do not know exactly what the [People’s Republic of China] intends to do with a lot of this information,” said FBI cyber official Michael Machtinger.
Policy
FBI gathered intelligence on reporters, religious orgs using ‘assessment’ authority, watchdog report says
The bureau also undercounts analysts’ non-compliance with assessment policies because it relies on self-reporting and infrequent audits, the sensitive GAO review adds.
Cybersecurity
Domestic surveillance fears loom over Congress debate to renew spying power
Lawmakers’ concerns about immigration enforcement and Fourth Amendment compliance are weighing on the reauthorization fight for Section 702 of FISA, even as the FBI privately warns against letting the foreign spying law lapse.
Cybersecurity
Cyber takes back seat to immigration in global threats hearing
Witnesses briefly touched on concerns about encrypted messaging and the threat China poses in cyberspace, as well as efforts to protect infrastructure that supports the worldwide internet.
Cybersecurity
AI has leveled the field between cybercriminals and nation-state hackers, FBI official says
The FBI is slower to adopt AI tools due to the sensitive nature of the data that it works with, Brett Leatherman, the FBI Cyber Division head, said.
Cybersecurity
Salt Typhoon hackers targeted over 80 countries, FBI says
The Chinese campaign appears to have reached into other organizations beyond the telecom industry, including transportation and military infrastructure networks, according to a Wednesday advisory.
Policy
FBI to move headquarters into Reagan Building, seemingly resolving decades-long fight
Officials did not immediately respond to questions about the timeline for the move or if it would displace the Reagan Building’s current tenants.
People
FBI’s Brett Leatherman to take lead of bureau’s cyber division
Leatherman said in a recent LinkedIn post that FBI Director Kash Patel elevated him to the role.
People
FBI Cyber Division deputy director departs for anti-ransomware firm
Cynthia Kaiser will serve as senior vice president for Halcyon’s Ransomware Research Center.
People
Intelligence agency employee arrested for trying to share classified info with foreign government
Nathan Vilas Laatsch was allegedly disgruntled by the Trump administration and willing to share sensitive data with the foreign country. The FBI set up a dead drop operation to intercept the classified materials.
Cybersecurity