Author Archive
Chris Riotta
Staff Reporter, Nextgov/FCW

Chris Riotta is a staff reporter at Nextgov/FCW covering government procurement and technology policy. Chris joined FCW after covering U.S. politics for three years at The Independent. He earned his master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, where he served as 2021 class president.
Cybersecurity
What happens to government devices during a shutdown?
Experts say government-issued devices like phones, computers and even email accounts face heightened security risks during a federal shutdown.
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
Democrats fear cyberattacks as government shutdown looms
Lawmakers are expressing concerns that the shutdown could radically hinder the work of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in responding to major ransomware incidents and other digital intrusions.
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
White House panel recommends public-private task force to protect domestic infrastructure
Some of the recommended approaches are “immediately actionable,” according to a member of the committe
- By Chris Riotta
Digital Government
Data silos threaten innovation in key sectors, new report warns
Overly restrictive privacy laws are hindering information sharing initiatives across key sectors, the Center for Data Innovation warns.
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
Ransomware group's evolving tactics pose growing threat
A joint advisory from the FBI and the nation’s cyber defense agency warns that a persistent threat actor is advancing its tactics and targeting critical infrastructure sectors.
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
Federal cyber operations face challenges as government shutdown looms
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will retain about one-sixth of its workforce in the event of a partial government shutdown, according to its current plan.
- By Chris Riotta
Acquisition
Brace for potential government shutdown, federal contractor group warns
A leading industry group is warning federal contractors to prepare for uncertain times while noting that the latest guidance for some agency contingency plans leaves “a lot to be desired.”
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
Nation-state actors are exploiting AI for discord and attacks, DHS warns
The agency’s 2024 Homeland Threat Assessment notes that the “proliferation of accessible AI” could enable larger-scale cyberattacks against the U.S.
- By Chris Riotta
Artificial Intelligence
Congress’s week of AI
Tech titans, developers and executives descended on Capitol Hill this week for a series of meetings exploring crucial safeguards for AI research and development.
- By Chris Riotta and Alexandra Kelley
Digital Government
Civic hackers explore ways to streamline government operations
Lawmakers and technologists united for a day of civic hacking on Capitol Hill as part of an effort to modernize government services and make government operations more efficient.
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
New Pentagon cyber strategy emphasizes industry and global partnerships
A top Defense Department official described the private sector as “absolutely essential” in implementing the agency’s new cyber strategy.
- By Chris Riotta
Artificial Intelligence
Industry leaders urge Congress to enact responsible AI regulations
Some tech observers have suggested hitting pause on generative artificial intelligence development, but industry leaders told lawmakers that the tech could benefit from legislation that builds trust in AI.
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
CISA’s new roadmap aims to fortify open source software security
The nation’s cyber defense agency wants to play a key role in hardening the broader open source software security ecosystem.
- By Chris Riotta
Acquisition
NASA seeks industry input on SEWP contract update
NASA is calling for feedback on a draft request for proposals for the latest iteration of its popular governmentwide acquisition contract that helps agencies quickly get their hands on emerging technologies.
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
HHS looks to improve cybersecurity coordination
The agency is utilizing a relaunched cybersecurity coordination center and additional programs to significantly ramp up interactions with key partners, a top official said.
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
CISA's CDM program gears up for a new era in cyber defense
How a cornerstone cybersecurity program has evolved from information collection to active defense.
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
CISA plans new 'secure-by-design' guidance
The nation’s cyber defense agency is continuing to drive a major effort to shift security responsibilities from users to software providers.
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
CISA seeks vendor commitments to boost cybersecurity in K-12 schools
The nation’s cyber defense agency is building onto White House efforts to secure schools' systems nationwide with the help of major education software companies.
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
CDM policies provide a vital shield against climate-driven cyberattacks, experts say
Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging extreme weather events to launch attacks on critical infrastructure sectors.
- By Chris Riotta
Cybersecurity
Russian cyber group unleashes new malware campaign on Ukrainian military targets
A new report says a cyber threat actor within Russia’s military intelligence service leveraged a novel malware campaign targeting Android devices used by the Ukrainian military.
- By Chris Riotta