Cybersecurity
Operational tech is ‘underprioritized’ in cyberdefense, experts tell Congress
Witnesses' calls for better investment in securing such systems come just two months before a key cybersecurity information-sharing law is set to expire.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump to unveil 3 AI executive orders in lead-up to sweeping action plan
A deluge of executive actions on artificial intelligence are set to be released this week, each underscoring the pro-innovation, America-first Trump administration posture toward AI, people familiar say.
Cybersecurity
Threat intel firms on alert for government systems impacted by Microsoft SharePoint vulnerability
Governments, schools, healthcare providers and large enterprise firms are at risk, one cyber threat intelligence chief said.
Defense
Microsoft ends use of China-based engineers to patch DOD systems
The move comes after a ProPublica report highlighted a Microsoft program that allows foreign engineers to indirectly interact with U.S. military systems through American “escort” intermediaries.
People
Private letter warned cuts to DHS intel office would ‘create dangerous intelligence gaps’
The International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts said in a previously unreported missive that staffing cuts that were initially planned for DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis would “undermine” and “degrade” various intelligence-sharing functions.
People
Trump’s CISA nominee to testify before Senate panel next week
Sean Plankey served at the Energy Department and National Security Council during Trump’s first term.
Cybersecurity
Salt Typhoon hacks into National Guard systems a ‘serious escalation’, experts warn
“Going forward, all U.S. forces must now assume their networks are compromised and will be degraded,” a former Air National Guard servicemember said.
Policy
House NDAA draft mandates database of contractors used in covert operations
The early stage defense bill draft would create an internal list of contractor clients that assist the U.S. military in its secret operations “to facilitate deconfliction and risk assessment.”
People
State Department cuts hit cyber diplomats doing international engagements
Impacted units in the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy include the Office of Bilateral and Regional Affairs and Office of Strategy, Programs and Communications.
People
DHS intelligence office halts staff cuts after stakeholder backlash
Pushback from law enforcement associations and Jewish orgs came after Nextgov/FCW first reported plans to shed most staff within a core DHS intelligence unit.
Cybersecurity
DOD gets millions for cyber capabilities under GOP reconciliation package
The law’s vast cuts to Medicaid, however, are putting rural healthcare groups on high alert.
Policy
Reconciliation bill includes measure to help civilian intel analysts cover moving costs
The policy aims to ease the financial burden on non-military intelligence workers by aligning their moving expense tax benefits with those already afforded to military personnel.
People
Trump admin faces multi-front pushback on reported plans to cut most of DHS intel bureau
Jewish community and law enforcement organizations have asked the Trump administration’s top security chiefs to preserve the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis after Nextgov/FCW reported its plans to severely reduce its workforce.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
DHS plans to shed most of its intel office workforce
The Office of Intelligence and Analysis plans to reduce hundreds of its staff, per people with knowledge of recent plans communicated to employees. It’s faced scrutiny over past domestic surveillance abuses.
People
Senate panel advances Trump’s national cyber director nominee
Sean Cairncross now faces a vote in the full Senate. He was widely expected to advance out of committee.
Cybersecurity
US unveils multiple operations to shutter North Korean IT worker schemes
At least one U.S. government contractor was hoovered up by the illicit worker operations, a senior FBI official said. The fraud has cost victims millions of dollars.
Cybersecurity
Iran-backed hackers may target US defense companies tied to Israel, agencies warn
“Despite a declared ceasefire and ongoing negotiations towards a permanent solution, Iranian-affiliated cyber actors and hacktivist groups may still conduct malicious cyber activity,” a government advisory says.
People
Cyber Command executive director departs for expected role in private sector
Morgan Adamski’s place as the top civilian lead in the combatant command will be filled by NSA official Patrick Ware, amid vast leadership changes at the nation’s top hacking unit.
Defense
Fresh evidence shows Iran’s nuclear program was ‘severely damaged,’ CIA director says
The claim follows reports of a DIA assessment that had determined the program was set back by only a few months.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity