Cybersecurity
FBI is probing ‘suspicious’ breach into bureau networks
Initial reporting tied the incident to the FBI’s wiretap systems, which are used to lawfully surveil suspected criminals and spies.
People
DOD names James “Aaron” Bishop to serve as CISO
Bishop previously served as CISO for the Air Force and as the CISO and VP at Science Applications International Corporation before that.
Exclusive
People
Trump’s CISA nominee said he left Coast Guard to address GOP hold
Sean Plankey confirmed the intent to Nextgov/FCW and said he’s “prepared to lead the nation’s cyber defense agency to protect the federal civilian networks and our nation’s critical infrastructure from physical and cyber attacks.”
People
Trump’s CISA nominee to exit Coast Guard role, but still in running to lead cyber agency
Sean Plankey has been serving in a Coast Guard advisory role for some months and is still set to be the nominee to lead CISA.
Cybersecurity
Potential US-built hacking tools obtained by foreign spies and cybercriminals, research says
iVerify has described the activity as the “first known mass iOS attack” campaign of its kind. Google said fragments of the exploit first appeared last February, with ties to an unnamed “customer of a surveillance company.”
People
CISA appoints new acting cyber chief after recent leadership shakeups
Chris Butera is now serving as acting executive assistant director for CISA’s cybersecurity division, after its former occupant, Nick Andersen, stepped into the top leadership role at the cyber agency.
Cybersecurity
How Cyber Command contributed to Operation Epic Fury against Iran
The digital combatant command was among the “first movers” in the operation against Iran, Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine said.
Cybersecurity
Intelligence firms watch for uptick in Iran cyber activity after US, Israel strikes
Analysts say organizations should remain vigilant, though early indications show Iran-linked hackers have overstated their success.
Cybersecurity
Fake DOD memo about ‘compromised’ apps shows swift spread of deceptive messaging
The message, widely circulated as the U.S. bombed Iran, shows how quickly unverified information can reach troops.
Defense
Strikes on Iran will test US cyber strategy abroad, and defenses at home
The federal government’s cyber defense agency is short-staffed, and Tehran is known for its retaliatory cyberattacks.
Policy
Tech bills of the week: Updated AI innovation; expanding cybersecurity for SNAP; and more
This week’s legislation addresses cybersecurity measures for EBT cards, pushes universal AI testing standards forward, and strengthens oversight of tech education programming for veterans.
People
CISA acting director moved to new DHS role
Madhu Gottumukkala will be moved into a strategic implementation role in the Department of Homeland Security. Nick Andersen will take his place.
People
Wyden to block confirmation for NSA director, citing lack of experience
The senator, in part, took issue with Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd’s responses to questions regarding civil liberties and oversight against unlawful surveillance.
People
CISA CIO expected to leave agency after receiving transfer orders
Last month, the cyber agency’s acting director reportedly took steps to transfer Costello, but other political appointees blocked it.
Policy
White House seeks clean extension on controversial spying law
Despite Donald Trump’s previous misgivings, his administration is signaling confidence in the statute with its current stance.
Cybersecurity
Hackers are exploiting exposed Cisco products, Five Eyes intelligence agencies say
A Cisco threat intelligence report calls the cyberintruders “highly sophisticated” but stops short of naming any affiliation with a foreign nation.
Cybersecurity
Treasury sanctions Russian firm said to have stolen and sold US cyber tools
The sanctions coincide with an FBI investigation into Peter Williams, a former employee of U.S. defense contractor L3Harris who pleaded guilty to selling cyber exploits to a Russian entity.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Energy Department patched flaws enabling email impersonation in critical minerals system
The vulnerabilities could have let malicious users masquerade as agency officials, potentially misleading researchers, contractors and others.
People
Top NSC cyber official returns to academia
For the last year, JD Work was a high-ranking official working on cyber policy within the White House National Security Council.
Cybersecurity