Policy
Trump says Pulte can declassify ‘whatever’ he wants, sparking fears of exposing intelligence secrets
“If he doesn’t care about blowing up cyber exploits, putting foreign relationships at risk, or getting people killed, he could declassify a lot,” one former official said.
Artificial Intelligence
US to lift export controls on key Anthropic models
Anthropic’s cybersecurity-focused Mythos 5 and Fable 5 are expected to be reactivated for respective users following permission from the Commerce Department.
Artificial Intelligence
CIA will take ‘smart risks’ and ‘course correct’ as it adopts AI, director says
“We simply can’t afford to wait for a risk-free approach to emerging tech. It doesn’t exist. We have to move fast. We have to be aggressive,” CIA Director John Ratcliffe said.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Hackers breached DHS information-sharing network, people familiar say
The Homeland Security Information Network is used by government, international and private sector partners to share sensitive but unclassified information.
People
Lawmaker warns of administration’s ‘fetishization’ of Silicon Valley startups
Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., discussed his plans to scrutinize Trump-era contracting practices, revive federal IT oversight and push for AI policy.
Cybersecurity
Secret Service phone security lapses put US officials at risk, watchdog says
The DHS inspector general found that agents routinely used personal phones for official work, including during protective operations, because government-issued devices lacked key capabilities.
Cybersecurity
The hidden market turning home internet connections into cover for hackers
Researchers traced millions of household IP addresses through residential proxy networks, calling the illicit use of those connections the “blood diamonds of the digital age.”
People
ODNI deputy director pushed out amid Pulte cuts
An estimated 15 to 20 individuals who were assigned to the Mission Integration directorate from other intelligence community components are believed to have returned to their respective agencies.
People
Pulte’s early ODNI cuts include dozens sent back to home agencies
Senate Intelligence Chairman Tom Cotton said the acting director of national intelligence told him about 45 to 50 career officers are being returned to their home agencies, while a smaller number of front-office personnel are leaving federal service.
Exclusive
Policy
Top House cyber lawmaker plans to introduce DHS overhaul bill by next year
In an interview, Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., also said she plans to ask officials about how export control measures would affect government agencies’ access to advanced AI models.
Artificial Intelligence
Parts of NSA lose Mythos 5 access amid Anthropic supply chain dispute
The access issue comes as the Five Eyes alliance is warning that frontier AI could soon accelerate both cyberattacks and cyber defense.
People
Lawmakers warn acting DNI against using role for major workforce shakeups
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., cited concerns about reported ODNI staff cuts while Bill Pulte temporarily leads the intelligence community.
Exclusive
Emerging Tech
White House expected to direct intelligence agencies to protect quantum research from foreign threats
The executive order is expected this week and tasks the departments of Defense and Energy to build and host a quantum computer for scientific discovery.
Cybersecurity
Planned NDAA amendment would codify CISA’s role in cyber vulnerability program
The measure, expected as a proposed add-on to the government’s 2027 defense package, targets a bedrock cybersecurity vulnerability-tracking system after a contracting fiasco last year.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
CISA now has full Mythos Preview access, people familiar say
The cyberdefense agency received access around a week ago, but the White House has not yet set clear parameters for how the agency should use the model.
People
Intelligence director hearing cancelled as Trump pushes for controversial voter bill
The development guarantees that Bill Pulte — whose selection to temporarily lead the office derailed a recent FISA vote — would start as acting national intelligence director on Friday.
Cybersecurity
US officials see Iran cyber threat persisting despite preliminary deal
Officials’ views reflect a recurring concern that cyber operations would continue regardless of conflict status, even as the Trump administration pursues a diplomatic off-ramp with Tehran.
Defense
US counterintelligence agency looks to AI to accelerate background checks
A Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency official says advanced AI can cut parts of the vetting process from months to hours.
Cybersecurity
Warner presses CISA on whether staff cuts weakened regional cyber support
The Senate Intelligence Committee’s top Democrat is asking the cyber agency for workforce charts, vacancy details and service data as state and local support comes under strain.
Artificial Intelligence