Author Archive
Defense
Annual intelligence assessment doesn’t address foreign threats to US elections
In a hearing to discuss the assessment, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also offered mixed signals about Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with her written testimony differing from spoken remarks.
Cybersecurity
CISA, FBI have engaged with Stryker staff after cyberattack, official says
Industry groups are seeing a “steady state” of Iran-linked hacking activity but observers should still keep their eyes peeled, CISA’s Nick Andersen said.
Cybersecurity
National cyber director doesn’t envision industry doing offensive hacking
Sean Cairncross wants the private sector to use its technical prowess to inform U.S. government offensive and defensive decisions.
People
Counterterrorism center head resigns over Iran war
Joe Kent said Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation” and he could not support the ongoing war.
People
Lawmakers seek watchdog probe into former acting CISA chief’s polygraph failures
A letter penned by House Democrats indicates CISA’s former acting director failed a second polygraph examination during his tenure.
Cybersecurity
Stryker hack could set stage for more pro-Iran cyber sabotage
A top lawmaker said his team is in touch with the company.
Cybersecurity
FBI queries of Americans’ data under FISA 702 rose 35% in 2025
The controversial spying power, which allows agencies to access foreigners’ overseas communications without a warrant, will expire in April unless Congress renews it. The White House is pushing for a clean extension.
Cybersecurity
CISA launches investigation into Stryker cyberattack
The hack arguably represents the most significant cyber incident linked to the recent Iran war.
Cybersecurity
Suspected pro-Iran hacker group tied to Stryker cyberattack
“We are currently experiencing a global network disruption affecting the Windows environment. Our teams are actively working to restore systems and operations. Stryker has business continuity measures in place, and we’re committed to serve our customers,” the company said in a statement.
Acquisition
State offloads Claude as underpinning model in flagship StateChat
The agency moved its chatbot to operate on OpenAI’s GPT 4.1, internal document shows.
People
Senate confirms Josh Rudd to lead NSA and Cyber Command
The foreign eavesdropping agency and digital combatant command have not had a permanent leader in place for the past 11 months.
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Cybersecurity
Russia-linked hackers appear on Iran war’s cyber front, but their impact is murky
Some experts question the significance of pro-Russia “hacktivist” groups.
People
Mullin’s appointment to lead DHS raises questions about future of CISA
Following months of turmoil, Kristi Noem’s exit leaves uncertainty around DHS’s cyber mission, after CISA faced hefty workforce cuts and still contends with a leadership vacuum.
Cybersecurity
FBI is probing ‘suspicious’ breach into bureau networks
Initial reporting tied the incident to the FBI’s wiretap systems, which are used to lawfully surveil suspected criminals and spies.
People
DOD names James “Aaron” Bishop to serve as CISO
Bishop previously served as CISO for the Air Force and as the CISO and VP at Science Applications International Corporation before that.
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People
Trump’s CISA nominee said he left Coast Guard to address GOP hold
Sean Plankey confirmed the intent to Nextgov/FCW and said he’s “prepared to lead the nation’s cyber defense agency to protect the federal civilian networks and our nation’s critical infrastructure from physical and cyber attacks.”
People
Trump’s CISA nominee to exit Coast Guard role, but still in running to lead cyber agency
Sean Plankey has been serving in a Coast Guard advisory role for some months and is still set to be the nominee to lead CISA.
Cybersecurity
Potential US-built hacking tools obtained by foreign spies and cybercriminals, research says
iVerify has described the activity as the “first known mass iOS attack” campaign of its kind. Google said fragments of the exploit first appeared last February, with ties to an unnamed “customer of a surveillance company.”
People
CISA appoints new acting cyber chief after recent leadership shakeups
Chris Butera is now serving as acting executive assistant director for CISA’s cybersecurity division, after its former occupant, Nick Andersen, stepped into the top leadership role at the cyber agency.
Cybersecurity
How Cyber Command contributed to Operation Epic Fury against Iran
The digital combatant command was among the “first movers” in the operation against Iran, Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine said.
