People
NSA general counsel removed as Laura Loomer cites involvement
The firing of April Falcon Doss is the latest NSA departure fueled by the far-right activist, who previously took credit for the firing of the spy agency’s director.
Cybersecurity
CISA to release telecom security report as its director nominee nears confirmation
The 2022 report, which has not been made publicly available, has been used as leverage by Senator Ron Wyden to hold Sean Plankey from being confirmed as director of CISA.
Cybersecurity
Basic cybersecurity lapses are leaving US infrastructure exposed, top experts warn
To make U.S. networks more “toxic” to adversaries, “we need to have an ability for authentication to have some meaning,” former NSA director Gen. Paul Nakasone said.
Cybersecurity
Trump’s CISA nominee is confident he can get funding to cyber agency where needed
Sean Plankey, a former Energy Department cyber official, tussled with Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., over 2020 election security during his confirmation hearing. He also committed to the renewal of a key cyber information-sharing law before it soon expires.
Cybersecurity
DHS impacted in hack of Microsoft SharePoint products, people familiar say
The zero-day vulnerability — which was first disclosed late Saturday — has been exploited by several Chinese state-aligned groups, according to Microsoft.
Cybersecurity
Chinese hackers are exploiting SharePoint vulnerabilities, Microsoft says
The bugs affecting on-premises builds of SharePoint deployments are officially being exploited by at least two major Chinese nation-state hacking units, the company said. Patches have been issued for all affected versions of SharePoint.
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