Cybersecurity
Mayorkas announces cyber 'sprints' on ransomware, ICS, workforce
The Homeland Security secretary announced a series of focused efforts to address issues around ransomware, critical infrastructure and the agency's workforce that will all be launched in the coming weeks.
Modernization
Justice Department Warns of Fake Unemployment Benefit Websites
It’s one more issue for jobless Americans and state workforce agencies to be concerned about.
Cybersecurity
FBI Director Says Extremists Flocking to Encrypted Apps Poses New Challenges
Christopher Wray told lawmakers tech companies are the ones making policies about encryption.
Emerging Tech
Police Departments Experiment With 70-Pound Robot Dog
Departments have deployed the cyber K-9s in hostage situations and as part of the covid response. Proponents say the robots can help keep officers out of harm's way, while critics worry how they could be used without clear policy guidelines in place.
Cybersecurity
DOJ charges three in WannaCry attacks, attempts to steal $1.3B
In addition to unsealing the charges against three North Korean hackers, the U.S. government also published indicators of compromise for a family of malicious cryptocurrency applications called "AppleJeus."
Digital Government
Senate Requests Intel on Capitol Attack
The lawmakers want timelines and operational details from 22 government agencies and offices leading up to the Jan. 6 breach of the building.
People
New bill looks to close retirement loophole for injured federal first responders
Sponsors say the legislation is needed to allow federal first responders to access their retirement benefits if they are injured on the job.
Cybersecurity
Senate Dems demand answers on DOJ's hack exposure
A group of Democratic senators want detailed answers from the Justice Department and the judiciary branch by the end of the month about the impact of the SolarWinds breach.
Digital Government
Lawmaker Urges Tech Companies to Save Posts, Metadata From Jan. 6 Insurrection
Sen. Mark Warner sent letters to 11 wireless communication and social media companies asking them to get ready to hand over content for legal proceedings.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers seek details on damage done by the SolarWinds hack
As information trickles out about which federal agencies have been compromised by a sophisticated hacking operation, lawmakers have begun seeking an extensive accounting of what damage has been done.
Cybersecurity
Hack at Treasury and Commerce spurs emergency order from CISA
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued an emergency directive late Sunday night after reported breaches at two cabinet agencies. The Department of Homeland Security, CISA's parent agency, also has reportedly been breached.
Modernization
Microsoft to launch top secret cloud
The company is waiting on government accreditation for the new top secret regions.
Cybersecurity
CBP wants to expand facial recognition
Customs and Border Protection is on track to move out of its test phase and expand use of facial recognition systems at airports and land border crossings.
Cybersecurity
Justice Department Makes Largest Cryptocurrency Seizure to Date
Bitcoins valued at more than $1 billion were traced back to a hacker who took them from the notorious criminal marketplace, Silk Road.
Ideas
In Response to the Lawful Access to Encrypted Data Act
There is a balance that needs to be maintained between national security posture and upholding privacy—a balance that this bill is missing.
Digital Government
ATF looks to consolidate data to aid investigations
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sees an opportunity to tap data analytics to address rising gun store robberies.
Cybersecurity
FBI Fights Intellectual Property Theft from University Offices
Director Christopher Wray noted the importance of attribution in the bureau’s strategy amid growing difficulty investigating cyber crime.
Emerging Tech
Justice Wants to Add Facial Recognition to Marshals’ Smartphones
The service is looking for a software development kit to help it integrate biometrics tools with an app used to facilitate prisoner transfers.
Cybersecurity
VA reports data breach affecting 46,000 veterans
Scammers trying to divert payments for medical care compromised an online system belonging to the Financial Services Center.
Modernization