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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.