Author Archive
David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity Reporter, Nextgov/FCW
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
Trump admin will push for ‘long-term’ reauthorization of key cyber data-sharing law
The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act got a temporary revival as part of a funding package last year, but it will expire again in September unless renewed.
- By Edward Graham and David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
Senator warns CISA election security pullback could leave midterms vulnerable
Mark Warner, the Senate Intelligence Committee’s top Democrat, pressed DHS over reports that states are no longer receiving the same cybersecurity and protection support ahead of the 2026 elections.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
US lists offensive cyberattacks in counterterrorism strategy
The mention of offensive cyberattacks highlights the White House’s effort to deter foreign hackers and follows public acknowledgments of cyber operations tied to military activity.
- By David DiMolfetta
People
10 years after OPM data breach, identity protection benefits for affected feds start to expire
A federal identity monitoring program created after the hack is ending, affecting employees whose information was exposed and raising questions about long-term responsibility once protections expire.
- By Eric Katz and David DiMolfetta
Exclusive
Artificial Intelligence
Trump admin floats policy language limiting contractor say on agency uses of technology
Ongoing drafts of policy documents feature language that would limit the private sector’s ability to dictate how their artificial intelligence models are used in government missions, according to sources familiar with their development.
- By Alexandra Kelley and David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
CISA unveils CI Fortify to help secure critical infrastructure during conflicts
For years, U.S. officials have assessed that China is infiltrating non-military critical infrastructure to enable sabotage during a major conflict involving Taiwan.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
Operational technology providers are feeling ‘annoyance’ at exclusion from Anthropic’s Mythos rollout, sources say
That disconnect highlights challenges in building an industrywide push to patch cyber vulnerabilities.
- By David DiMolfetta
Exclusive
People
IBM security executive emerges as possible contender to lead CISA
Tom Parker doesn’t have prior government experience, characteristics the Trump administration may be seeking in its next pick to lead the cyber agency, a person familiar said.
- By David DiMolfetta
People
US imposes AI skills requirement on CyberCorps pipeline
New guidance requires programs to ensure that incoming scholars will be able to demonstrate skills at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, a move that fast-tracks changes outlined in recent National Science Foundation policy.
- By David DiMolfetta
Policy
House passes 45-day FISA extension after senators secure declassification deal
The bill to extend Section 702 of FISA now goes to President Donald Trump’s desk. A deal worked out with lawmakers on the Senate Intelligence Committee could shed more light on the surveillance power in the coming weeks.
- By David DiMolfetta
Policy
FCC proposes blocking high-risk firms from automatic telecom market approvals
The initiative would bar providers on the agency’s “Covered List” from more fluid operating approval in the U.S., aiming to close a longstanding regulatory gap.
- By David DiMolfetta
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Policy
House passes 3-year FISA 702 extension
The bill now moves to the Senate, where it could face obstacles in clearing reauthorization because of a measure that bars the Federal Reserve from issuing digital currency.
- By David DiMolfetta
Artificial Intelligence
House panels probe Airbnb, Anysphere over use of Chinese AI models
GOP lawmakers are seeking details on companies’ reliance on Chinese-developed systems, citing risks tied to data security, censorship and alleged AI distillation campaigns.
- By David DiMolfetta
Artificial Intelligence
White House is drafting plans to permit federal Anthropic use
The move suggests the Trump administration is easing its stance on the AI company, which faced a Pentagon supply chain risk designation and phaseout directive.
- By David DiMolfetta and Alexandra Kelley
Cybersecurity
Federal drawdown of election support ‘destroyed’ ongoing relationships, experts say
A House hearing highlighted warnings from state officials and other experts who say the Trump administration’s dismantling of CISA’s election work damages trust and coordination before the 2026 midterms.
- By David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity
Italy extradites alleged Chinese state-backed hacker to US over theft of COVID-19 research
U.S. officials requested the arrest, which was conducted in Milan in July 2025.
- By David DiMolfetta
Exclusive
Artificial Intelligence
Experts call for halt of AI chip exports to China after White House distillation warning
An AI policy group argues the move is necessary after the White House warned that Beijing is attempting to use U.S. AI systems to build similar capabilities.
- By David DiMolfetta
Policy
Tech bills of the week: Creating data privacy standards; Securing critical infrastructure from drones; and more
Congressional lawmakers introduced a raft of proposals this week, including bills to balance the power needs of data centers with consumer energy costs and to establish guidelines on the types of advanced semiconductors that can be sold to China.
- By Edward Graham, Alexandra Kelley, David DiMolfetta and Natalie Alms
Artificial Intelligence
White House accuses China of ‘deliberate, industrial-scale campaigns’ to steal US AI models
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy told federal agencies that the Trump administration will be enhancing its engagement with the private sector to counter foreign-led distillation campaigns designed to undermine U.S. AI advances.
- By Edward Graham and David DiMolfetta
Defense
Autonomous weapons will be ‘key and essential part’ of warfare, Joint Chiefs chair says
Chairman Dan Caine also said the U.S. needs to become a “better” buyer of advanced tools and tech for defense activities.
- By David DiMolfetta