Cybersecurity

DHS recent hiring sprint shows promise, but lawmakers still see gaps in the federal cybersecurity workforce

The federal government continues to face challenges in recruiting a skilled cybersecurity workforce, amid heavy private sector demand and obstacles built into the hiring process, but there are some recent signs that longstanding efforts to improve the situation are starting to pay off.

Cybersecurity

TSA ramps up fuel pipeline cyber strategy

At a Senate hearing, the TSA administrator updated lawmakers on the implementation of two recent cybersecurity directives issued in the wake of the ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline.

Cybersecurity

TSA imposes new cyber rules on pipeline operators

The new mitigation requirements come as the U.S. attributes a past effort to hack U.S. pipeline infrastructure to a Chinese state-sponsored group.

Cybersecurity

TSA preps second pipeline cyber directive

A senior TSA official told House lawmakers on Tuesday that it is preparing to issue a second security directive focused on cybersecurity mitigation measures used by pipeline companies.

Cybersecurity

Biden's top cyber nominees face the Senate as the country reels from cyberattacks

Jen Easterly, selected to head the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Chris Inglis, the former National Security Agency deputy director picked to fill the new national cyber director role, faced lawmakers concerned about the spike in ransomware attacks.

Cybersecurity

Colonial CEO defends $4.3M ransomware payment

Joseph Blount, the chief executive officer of Colonial Pipeline, on Tuesday defended the company's ransom payment to the criminal group Darkside and said Colonial is continuing to work with law enforcement and cybersecurity consultants to restore their business systems.

Cybersecurity

DHS expands collective bargaining for TSA airport screeners

Although the American Federation of Government Employees praised the move, the union says it is still going to press for legislation to move TSA employees into Title 5.

Cybersecurity

After Colonial attack, TSA issues new cyber regs for pipelines

DHS chief Alejandro Mayorkas cited the attack on Colonial Pipeline as the impetus for the new regulations.

Cybersecurity

DHS to issue new pipeline security regulations after Colonial attack

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the new guidance for pipeline security will be issued in the coming days.

Cybersecurity

House advances cybersecurity bills in wake of pipeline company hack

Following a week filled with a devastating ransomware attack and a massive executive order to strengthen the federal government's networks, a House panel on Tuesday advanced several bills largely aimed at DHS and CISA.

Cybersecurity

House lawmakers re-introduce pipeline security bill after Colonial hack

Lawmakers in previous years have tried to clarify and change which agencies are responsible for regulating the cybersecurity of oil and gas pipelines.

Cybersecurity

TSA's role in pipeline security looks like a weak link to some in government and industry

Questions about whether TSA is rightly positioned to oversee cybersecurity for natural gas and oil pipelines are resurfacing in the wake of the ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline.

People

House Dems, unions pitch plan to reclassify TSA screeners

So far, Republicans haven't signed on to a plan to alter the agency's unique personnel situation. Some experts caution that there are untended consequences from a move to put TSA officers under Title 5.

Cybersecurity

House Dems look to expand TSA screeners' workplace protections

The bill would move all TSA employees into Title 5 of the U.S. Code, with pay conforming to the general schedule and collective bargaining rights.

Cybersecurity

House's DHS funding bill would create public-private cyber center

The legislation would give $2.25 billion to DHS' cyber wing and set up an integrated cybersecurity center with other agencies, state and local governments and private industry.

People

House Homeland Dems want to help TSA workers in next COVID-19 relief package

Survivor benefits and health insurance premiums are expected to be covered in future legislation.

Cybersecurity

Schumer to TSA: Delete your (TikTok) account

The Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security, TSA's parent agency, have already banned the video-sharing app from federally owned devices, citing risks associated with TikTok's Chinese ownership.

Cybersecurity

TSA to roll out strategic plan for insider threats next month

Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Patricia Cogswell said that as screening tech has improved, insider threats have become an increasingly attractive attack vector for bad actors.

Modernization

TSA's vision for self-screening comes into focus

The Transportation Security Administration is asking vendors to imagine technology and processes to allow air travel passengers to screen themselves.

Acquisition

DHS acquisitions are steady despite CIO departure

Technology procurement at the Department of Homeland Security remains on steady ground despite the departure of CIO Dr. John Zangardi earlier this month for an industry job, according to the agency's top acquisition official.