Cybersecurity
CISA’s Elections Operations Center to Remain Open for Another 45 Days
Officials acknowledged reports of misleading robocalls and suspicious traffic around a Florida system, but said neither were out of the ordinary.
Cybersecurity
U.S. Elections Are Safer from Foreign Interference, But Gaps Remain
Four years after a big wake-up call, federal, state, and local governments are working harder and more closely to ward off threats.
Cybersecurity
DHS, NSA Award Millions to Universities for Cybersecurity Workforce Development Plans
Agencies tasked with implementing a 2017 executive order envision a national network of technical institutes.
Cybersecurity
HHS, FBI, CISA Warn Hospitals of ‘Imminent’ Ransomware Attacks
The agencies warn paying criminals won’t guarantee recovery of crucial data.
Digital Government
Senators Urge Investigation After CBP Admits to Warrantless Cell Phone Surveillance
Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, told senators it uses a commercial database to conduct warrantless tracking of people inside the United States.
Emerging Tech
DHS Biometrics Proposal Represents ‘Unacceptable Escalation of Government Surveillance,’ Senators Say
Five senators sent a letter urging the Homeland Security Department to abandon a proposal to expand its biometrics program.
Emerging Tech
More than 5,000 Commenters Weigh in on DHS’ Proposal to Collect More Biometrics from Immigrants
Submissions opposing the rule expressed frustration over the abbreviated 30-day comment period.
Policy
CBP Launches Website to Promote Transparency Around Biometric Travel Program
Privacy advocates say they still want better privacy protections for the agency's Entry-Exit program.
Emerging Tech
Homeland Security Funds 5 New Projects Exploring Blockchain Technology
The move builds on several others the agency recently made in pursuit of modernization.
Cybersecurity
CISA Leader Puts Health Sector Project on the Level of Election Security Initiative
A senior adviser brought in to boost the pandemic-driven effort says new materials are coming and stresses the importance of organizations acting on the agency’s advisories as part of their risk calculus.
Cybersecurity
CISA Reveals Timeline for Improving Anemic Information Sharing Program
The private sector has been pushing for greater liability protections before participating in a two-way exchange of cyber threats and vulnerabilities with the agency.
Cybersecurity
DHS Exempts Expanded Insider Threat Program From Key Privacy Act Provisions
The agency will be allowed to collect large amounts of data without having to follow several provisions regarding disclosure, relevance and the sharing of that information.
Cybersecurity
CISA Releases Tips For Secure Teleworking
The short guide offers quick tips and links to deeper resources for employees at every level.
Digital Government
Lawmakers: Did DHS Surveil Portland Protesters’ Phones?
Lawmakers want to know if federal agencies intercepted messages or collected cellphone data—including through commercial sources—during Portland protests.
Cybersecurity
IG: CBP Responsible for 2019 Biometrics Breach, Though No Federal Networks Were Compromised
A ransomware attack on a Customs and Border Protection vendor leaked facial images on more than 184,000 travelers—something agency security and policy should have prevented.
Cybersecurity
Government Employees May Need to Update Threat Hunting Perspectives
As Congress considers expanding threat hunting programs into the private sector, a majority of federal workers surveyed last year didn’t seem to have a clue about such efforts within their own agencies.
Cybersecurity
CISA Orders Immediate Action to Fix Vulnerability in Windows Directory
The agency has seen code designed to exploit the vulnerability in a system used to permit access to network resources.
Cybersecurity
CISA Data Shows Federal Civilian Agencies Faster Than Industry at Patching
The nation’s risk adviser continues to expand its role in what it’s dubbed the year of vulnerability management.
Cybersecurity
CISA, FBI Warn Iran-based Threat Actor May Be Planning Ransomware Attacks
The attacker is targeting virtual private networks and cloud computing vulnerabilities, and has been present in victim networks for several months.
Cybersecurity