Author Archive
Cybersecurity
CIA feared terrorists could exploit Y2K glitches, declassified briefs show
Records released for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 also describe intelligence assessments of extremist websites helping recruit fighters and spread chemical and biological weapons information.
Cybersecurity
25 years after 9/11, spy agencies face old lessons and new threats
Former intelligence officials describe a nation better equipped to disrupt terrorist plots, but still wrestling with the costs of its response and how to prevent the next crisis under escalating technology threats.
Cybersecurity
White House plans to take water cyber pilot into other sectors
Sean Cairncross also outlined plans for a cyber academy that would combine venture capital and other private sector initiatives with a service component.
People
CISA has roughly 250 prospective hires awaiting clearance, agency chief says
Acting Director Nick Andersen says the agency is prioritizing operational teams and regional staff as it works to rebuild its workforce after reductions last year.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers ask Commerce to sanction Indian firms involved in mercenary hacking
The “hack-for-hire” entities have systematically targeted newsrooms covering corporate fraud, legal teams in high-stakes litigation and NGOs.
Cybersecurity
New FBI cyber strategy seeks faster action against hackers, larger industry role
The bureau wants more frequent disruption operations and quicker warnings to victims as the Justice Department works through rules for expanded private sector participation in hacking cybercrime groups.
Cybersecurity
CIA cyber intelligence helped US forces capture Maduro, deputy director says
Michael Ellis credited the agency’s cyber intelligence officers with helping U.S. troops locate and apprehend the Venezuelan leader within minutes of landing.
Artificial Intelligence
NSA looks to AI to help analysts sift through vast data troves
The tools can speed up work that takes days or weeks, the agency’s cybersecurity chief said.
Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft brings AI vulnerability-hunting tool to government cloud
Select agencies and partners can preview MDASH, which uses teams of AI agents to find software flaws and test whether attackers could exploit them.
People
Former CISA employee pleads guilty to defrauding government with secret contractor jobs
Prosecutors say Richeline Fung secretly held contractor jobs tied to six agencies and claimed up to 33-hour workdays while working full time for the federal cyber agency.
Cybersecurity
Senator asks NSA to update Americans about VPN spying risks
A congressional analysis found foreign spies could trace users by comparing encrypted traffic entering and leaving a VPN server, according to the lawmaker’s office.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Pentagon cyber strategy expected as soon as next week, sources say
Officials have previewed a blueprint emphasizing offensive operations, AI adoption and closer industry ties as the military reorganizes its cyber forces.
Artificial Intelligence
Dozens of current, former officials see at least a 10% chance humans lose control of AI
Nearly half of respondents in the survey released Wednesday serve or have served in the Defense Department, an agency locked in fierce discourse over military use of AI systems.
Policy
Stopgap funding bill temporarily extends key cyber info-sharing law
The short-term package pushes the sunset date for the bedrock cyber legislation to Dec. 11, in addition to setting extensions for the Technology Modernization Fund and National Cybersecurity Protection System.
Cybersecurity
White House launches water cybersecurity pilot in Texas
Project Watershed 250 will stress-test utilities over six months and could serve as a model for protecting water providers nationwide.
Cybersecurity
Trump admin moves to block risky foreign technology from US power grid
A new executive order targets hardware, software and remote-access services and could require operators to isolate or replace equipment already in use.
Updated
People
Intelligence agency employee pleads guilty to trying to share classified info with foreign government
Nathan Vilas Laatsch was allegedly disgruntled by the Trump administration and willing to share sensitive data with the foreign country. The FBI set up a dead drop operation to intercept the classified materials.
Artificial Intelligence
NSA wants access to ‘all’ AI models, top official says
The spy agency is taking a key role in the government’s new voluntary model-testing program, though its deputy director did not say which companies are participating.
Cybersecurity
ATF investigating ‘major’ cyber incident after ransomware group claim
The agency says the affected system was isolated from its broader network and eForms platform but has not disclosed whether data was stolen.
Cybersecurity
White House to soon launch water provider cyber protection program
The plans come as several states face water system intrusions from what some official suspect could be linked to Iran.
