Author Archive

David DiMolfetta

Cybersecurity Reporter, Nextgov/FCW

David DiMolfetta
David DiMolfetta covers cybersecurity for Nextgov/FCW. Previously, he researched The Cybersecurity 202 and The Technology 202 newsletters at The Washington Post and covered AI, cybersecurity and technology policy for S&P Global Market Intelligence. He holds a BBA from The George Washington University and an MS from Georgetown University. Get in touch with him on X/Twitter: @ddimolfetta . If you have a tip you'd like to share, David can be securely contacted at djd.99 on Signal.
Cybersecurity

DHS secretary plans post-election security review

Markwayne Mullin told CISA employees he wants to assess election systems after the vote, as the agency faces scrutiny over cuts to its support for states.

Cybersecurity

FEC takes down electronic filing platform after attempted hack

The commission holds no role in administering U.S. elections, meaning any impacts to its systems will not affect voting in the upcoming midterms.

Cybersecurity

White House takes Texas water cybersecurity model to rural hospitals

Project Lifeline 250 will provide free cybersecurity assistance to South Carolina hospitals, extending the administration’s effort to connect vulnerable infrastructure operators with industry support.

Cybersecurity

CISA gives federal agencies until Thursday to address exploited PHP flaws

The agency’s order adds urgency to a worldwide repair effort, though the extent of successful attacks remains unclear.

Cybersecurity

CISA plans service review, sharper focus on critical infrastructure threats

The strategy sets a yearlong schedule for reviewing capabilities and reporting progress as the agency rebuilds after staffing cuts.

Exclusive Artificial Intelligence

Policy proposal would require firms to disclose how they use AI to develop new models

The framework from Americans for Responsible Innovation would give Washington a closer look at AI’s role in developing new models as Jay Clayton’s task force shapes the government’s relationship with developers.

Cybersecurity

CISA vulnerability response chief departing agency after nearly six years

Lindsey Cerkovnik helped oversee agency efforts to track software flaws. She plans to start a new role in November.

Cybersecurity

PHP flaws draw millions of hacking attempts amid global push for fixes

Cloudflare reported millions of attempts to exploit the widely used web software, while researchers warned that compromised sites could also put visitors at risk.

Cybersecurity

Russia targets Democrats and Ukraine supporters ahead of midterms, top intel lawmakers say

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., described Russian disinformation and more targeted Chinese influence efforts during a press roundtable, while reporting better access under intelligence chief Jay Clayton.

Cybersecurity

US agencies urge fixes for programming language flaws putting millions of web systems at risk

The flaws in the widely used website software known as PHP could expose data and let hackers seize control.

Artificial Intelligence

State Department orders ‘super intelligence’ wording across all official communications

An internal cable from the agency extends Trump’s terminology change to emails, speeches, websites and official titles, while preserving legal language and historical records.

Cybersecurity

Democrats warn tech firms of election security ‘backsliding’ ahead of midterms

Senior intelligence and election oversight lawmakers want social media companies and AI developers to strengthen safeguards against false voting information, foreign influence campaigns and deceptive AI content.

Exclusive Cybersecurity

Senator warns hundreds of federal web addresses may lack key spying protection

The list includes websites for FBI tips, intelligence job applications and the Veterans Crisis Line.

Cybersecurity

US moves to staff leaders for industry-partnered offensive cyber program

The Trump administration is laying groundwork to enlist companies against foreign cybercriminals, but payment arrangements and protections for participating firms remain unresolved.

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI bugging case highlights AI’s insider threat problem

Researchers say the alleged recording attempt shows why AI companies need tighter controls on employee access to sensitive information.

Cybersecurity

Officials see gaps in election communications as AI makes foreign influence easier

Sources describe weakening cooperation between the federal government and state and industry partners ahead of the midterms, as AI gives foreign operatives cheaper ways to produce and spread deceptive messages.

Exclusive Cybersecurity

Top Pentagon zero trust official to retire from government this week

Randy Resnick has spent nearly 40 years in federal service and is expected to continue working at a software company as a chief technology officer for government.

Cybersecurity

FBI disrupts North Korean ‘laptop farm’ used to infiltrate US companies

Agents seized nearly 190 laptops across Texas in a crackdown on fraudulent remote workers whose earnings help fund Pyongyang’s weapons programs.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity executive who helped hacking victims arrested on federal extortion charges

Ed Dubrovsky’s arrest may be linked to the FBI’s investigation into ShinyHunters. He has built a career advising organizations on cyberattacks and ransom demands.

Cybersecurity

FBI arrests another ShinyHunters suspect after massive breach of employee data

The arrest follows action against suspected members in Jordan and the Netherlands as the bureau investigates the theft of its sensitive personnel information.