Author Archive
Defense
Hegseth orders cyber, intelligence agencies to prioritize election defense
The directive comes as the administration has dismantled or reorganized offices that tracked foreign influence and reduced civilian election security support.
Cybersecurity
ShinyHunters says it won’t publish FBI data
The group’s new statement — which called the incident a “marketing campaign" — follows reports that the stolen material includes medical records and details about employees working in sensitive intelligence roles.
Acquisition
Lawmaker warns intelligence contractors' Trump ballroom donations may be scrutinized
Rep. Jim Himes, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, wants to examine whether contributions were tied to federal contracts or access to administration officials.
Updated
Cybersecurity
OpenAI agents accessed Census, SEC data and tried to hack Education website
The disclosure follows warnings from former officials in August that government systems could face unintended intrusions by autonomous AI agents.
People
Former Army soldier sentenced to nearly 6 years for telecom hacking, extortion
Cameron Wagenius stole sensitive phone records while on active duty and sought to sell information to a foreign intelligence service, prosecutors said.
Cybersecurity
Senators propose voluntary telecom security framework after Salt Typhoon hacks
The bipartisan bill would establish cybersecurity best practices and independent certification, following the FCC’s rollback of safeguards adopted in response to the Chinese hacking campaign.
Cybersecurity
CISA pledges election security support after cuts weakened ties with states
A new plan emphasizes threat sharing and coordination ahead of the midterms, but does not explain how those commitments fit with proposed cuts to dedicated election security funding.
Cybersecurity
AI scanning tools found security gaps at rail operator and hospitals, Wiz says
Researchers discovered access to rail administration systems, a hospital alert channel and sensitive records in a new effort aimed at organizations with limited cyber resources.
Cybersecurity
Stolen FBI data reveals employees’ roles in intelligence and surveillance
Exposed analysts work on areas including China, Russia and electronic surveillance. ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for the breach this week. The FBI said it’s investigating.
Updated
Cybersecurity
ShinyHunters claims FBI data theft, demands bureau retract cyber warning
The hacking group says it obtained sensitive employee and applicant records. The full scope of the claimed breach remains unclear.
Modernization
NSA plans major reorganization with new AI, China and cyber centers
The overhaul would create five mission centers, with implementation expected to begin in October.
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.
