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.
Digital Government

Trump signs executive order setting rules for mail-in voting and eligibility lists

The president has long disputed the mail-in voting process since his 2020 election run. The order is very likely to face legal challenges.

Cybersecurity

North Korea-linked hackers suspected in Axios open-source hijack, Google analysts say

“The full breadth of this incident is still unclear, but given the popularity of the compromised package, we expect it will have far reaching impacts,” a chief Google analyst said.

People

FCC taps Farhan Khan as CIO

The former FDA digital chief will oversee IT strategy, modernization and security across the commission.

Cybersecurity

DHS drops investigation into former acting CISA chief’s failed polygraph exam

“We are pleased that the CISA personnel punished by previous DHS and CISA leadership for doing their jobs have been cleared of wrongdoing and invited back to work, as we demanded three months ago,” said a joint statement from Democratic Reps. Bennie Thompson and Eric Swalwell.

Cybersecurity

Pro-Iran hackers claim breach of FBI director’s email

The leaks appear to be authentic, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers question VPN impact on Americans' FISA surveillance protections

Democrats from both chambers sent a letter questioning the impacts to the Director of National Intelligence as Congress faces a deadline to renew FISA Section 702, which allows warrantless collection of foreigners’ communications overseas.

Cybersecurity

EU wants to support bedrock cyber vulnerability program, top official says

U.S. congressional staffers are also working on legislation to give CISA more oversight of the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures program after a contracting incident last April.

Artificial Intelligence

ODNI is building a framework to boost spy agencies’ AI adoption

A tech modernization push launched last year also included expanded threat hunting across IC networks, according to an official.

Cybersecurity

European officials highlight private sector help in major cybercrime takedowns

Industry helped European law enforcement groups in operations that tracked and dismantled assets tied to major cybercrime gangs like Scattered Spider.

Cybersecurity

Ex-NSA leaders say Americans are becoming ‘numb’ to cyber threats

A serious cyberattack hasn’t prompted a strong enough policy or public reaction, one former director said.

Exclusive People

New NSA director pushes for more intel-sharing with allies in internal meeting

Gen. Josh Rudd also told members of NSA and Cyber Command that the organizations should still focus on major cyber adversaries like Russia and China, despite the Trump administration’s emphasis on the southern border.

Cybersecurity

Google launches threat disruption unit, stops short of calling it ‘offensive’

The unit will use legal authorizations and technical capabilities to impede cyber threat groups, though company execs say it will not go so far as to hack into adversaries' systems.

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

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.