Policy
US sanctions Kremlin-backed firms for operating network of fake news sites
The disinformation campaign was deployed in Fall 2022, and shows how Russia’s private sector easily works with the government on disinformation operations.
Cybersecurity
White House warns states of continued cyber threats to water infrastructure
The letter to state governors comes after the U.S. sanctioned Iran-linked hackers in February for their breach of water treatment systems last year.
Cybersecurity
Ransomware payment debate resurfaces amid Change Healthcare incident
Expert views don’t entirely align on whether victims should pay ransomware hackers.
Cybersecurity
U.S. still finding victims of advanced China-linked hacking campaign, NSA official says
The Volt Typhoon hacking collective, backed by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, has been working to burrow into sensitive U.S. systems, officials previously said.
Cybersecurity
FCC approves cyber labeling program for IoT devices
The move is one of several directives underpinning a sweeping Biden administration plan to shore up U.S. cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity
CISA rolls out secure software attestation form
A repository for software attestation submissions will be available later in March.
Cybersecurity
HHS launches probe into UnitedHealth over ransomware attack on subsidiary
The probe will examine the company's compliance with laws safeguarding patient data.
Exclusive
People
Ex-NSA innovation chief’s new startup looks to future-proof federal agencies against cyberthreats
Kevin Keaton’s Eyris would fuse blockchain technologies into advanced security solutions to defend federal agencies, the Pentagon and others against cyber threats.
Cybersecurity
China, Russia and Iran capable of disrupting 2024 elections, intel assessment warns
Three nations have the means of deploying campaigns attempting to scramble election outcomes in November, according to the intelligence community’s annual worldwide threat assessment.
Cybersecurity
CISA targeted through Ivanti VPN vulnerabilities, reports say
The DHS agency has been issuing warnings about Ivanti products since at least 2020.
People
Exit interview: Mitch Herckis
In an exclusive interview, the former branch director for federal cybersecurity in the White House Office of the Federal CIO, discussed challenges, White House cyber priorities and his office’s efforts to integrate zero trust into the federal government.
Emerging Tech
Biden calls for ban of AI voice impersonations in State of the Union address
The President became the subject of an AI-generated robocalling scam in January.
Digital Government
New bill aims to bring SNAP card security up to credit card standards
Security standards for SNAP cards have not kept pace with industry advancements, lawmakers say.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Flaws in public records management tool could let hackers nab sensitive data linked to requests
The GovQA platform, created by IT company Granicus, contained vulnerabilities that could have let cybercriminals retrieve tranches of sensitive files tied to public records requests, a security researcher revealed to Nextgov/FCW.
Cybersecurity
Government facilities were third largest ransomware target in 2023, FBI says
The FBI’s IC3 findings also show government official impersonation scams are on the rise.
Cybersecurity
House panel to weigh bill barring data brokers from making transfers to foreign rivals
The measure, backed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s leaders, considers similar data types listed in a recently signed data security executive order.
Digital Government
CISA is still maintaining radio silence with social media as Super Tuesday kicks off
The lack of communication stems from an ongoing Supreme Court case that one top senator says Biden administration lawyers have been “too timid” in addressing.
Cybersecurity
CISA is coordinating with election security partners for Super Tuesday voting
The principal agency responsible for election security is asking public and private sector election administrators to share potential threat information as voters go to the polls.
Cybersecurity
Biden’s new data security order leaves industry officials, privacy advocates scratching their heads
Implementing the executive order will involve crafting new legal mechanisms for data transfers while assuaging ongoing privacy concerns.
Cybersecurity