Former Presidential Adviser Advocates Tougher Software Vendor Standards After Breach
The environment where updates for the company’s software were developed was reportedly protected by a password anyone could guess.
Biden Disputes Trump’s Claim that Hack is Under Control
The president-elect called for an official attribution to Russia but said a damage assessment is necessary before discussing the appropriate response.
Massive Hack Roundup: Attorney General Pins Intrusion on Russia
Here are the news and updates you may have missed.
Amid Massive Hack, Lawmakers Urge Trump to Sign Defense Bill with New Cybersecurity Legislation
As the government scrambles to understand the widening compromise, legislation to shore up the nation’s cyber defenses sits unsigned on the President’s desk.
House Committees Launch Investigation into Alleged Russian Hack of Federal Agencies
President-elect Joe Biden also promised to elevate cybersecurity “as an imperative” across government.
CISA: SolarWinds Is Not the Only Way Hackers Got Into Networks
The agency also warned that getting attackers out of networks will be complex—especially because they are monitoring IT and cybersecurity employees’ emails.
GAO Issues ‘Wake-Up Call’ Report on Agencies’ Lax Supply Chain Security Management
The bottom line is that none of the 23 agencies audited fully implemented foundational risk management practices.
Pentagon Preps for First CMMC Pilots in 2021
The Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program will begin including security requirements in select solicitations starting next year.
What We Know About the SolarWinds Breach
The White House invoked Presidential Policy Directive-41 to coordinate a "whole of government" response.
CISA Orders Federal Agencies to Turn Off SolarWinds Products
A critical flaw in software used throughout government was reportedly used to breach a major security company and at least two federal agencies.
Reports: Suspected Russian Hackers Breach Commerce, Treasury Departments
U.S. officials are investigating what data may have been stolen and whether the hack is more widespread.
Presidential Advisers Make the Case for a New Cybersecurity Center for Sharing Threats
Current federal efforts to help mitigate threats against privately operated critical infrastructure fall short, according to a National Infrastructure Advisory Council report.
What DOD’s Cyber Certification Program Reveals About Info-Sharing Challenges
As the new regime takes effect, the tech industry’s lead trade association would rather higher level certifications be done by the department than independent third parties.
Tech Trade Group: IT Modernization Investment May Increase Under Biden
The group expects the Biden administration to expand IT modernization efforts, in part to respond to COVID-19.
5 Ways to Improve Emergency Preparedness for Next Time
A permanent team that is focused solely on national preparation and ensuring that the relevant federal agencies are all on the same page should coordinate all five of these components.
Homeland Security’s Small Business Program Will Focus on Viruses, Security and Networks in 2021
The Small Business Innovation Research program identified 12 tentative topics as priorities for the coming year.
Tech Association Wants Biden Team to Focus on Public-Sector Supply Chain Security
A Biden administration might require even more of private-sector entities than President Trump has on the issue.
Pentagon Expanding 5G Efforts, DOD Official Says
The Pentagon will also be releasing guidance on securing the microelectronics supply chain, according to Defense Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord.
Government Reduces Representation Burdens for Supply Chain Rule Banning Some Chinese Equipment
Contractors continue to question inconsistent language and push for the need for more clarity around Section 889 Part B.
DOD Official Confident in Cybersecurity Certification Body’s Business Model
The volunteer group taking on the Pentagon’s new system of contractor audits has taken out lines of credit, the official said.
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