People
Trump nominee to lead NSA commits to backing controversial spying law
Lt. Gen. Josh Rudd also promised to prioritize NSA efforts to protect U.S. elections.
Cybersecurity
US developed ‘non-kinetic’ cell ahead of Venezuela mission to push cyber operations
Officials said that cyber capabilities are expected to play a central role in future U.S. military undertakings.
People
Suspected Chinese spies targeted former State official for Venezuela research
The recruitment scheme involved a sham company previously reported by Nextgov/FCW that has sought out former U.S. federal employees through fake websites and job postings.
Cybersecurity
OMB reverses Biden-era software attestation order
A new executive branch memorandum instead allows agencies to lean on software bills of materials, or SBOMs, in lieu of a universal attestation framework.
Cybersecurity
CISA to cease participation at RSAC conference after Biden-era cyber leader named CEO
The decision, which has been in motion over the last week, highlights the Trump administration’s push to strictly control how current officials participate in industry events linked to former senior leaders now under White House scrutiny.
Cybersecurity
Democrats press CISA’s acting chief over major staffing cuts
Madhu Gottumukkala also faced questions about a reported failed polygraph exam and attempts to reassign the agency’s chief information officer.
People
CISA budget bill would require agency to maintain ‘sufficient’ staffing levels
The congressional justification diverges from steps taken last year to curb the agency’s workforce and election security footprint.
Modernization
Funding bill extends TMF and cyber measures through September
The authorization for the Technology Modernization Fund had lapsed in December, leaving its leadership unable to make new investments.
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker worries NSF program loophole enables Chinese institutions to access US-backed computing resources
Chinese entities are able to access a stockpile of high-performance computing tools funded by the U.S. government, creating potential technology transfer risks, Rep. John Moolenaar said in a letter sent this week.
People
Trump officials consider skipping premier cyber conference after Biden-era cyber leader named CEO
Jen Easterly, who led the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency under Biden, was named CEO of RSAC Conference Thursday.
People
Rudd defends qualifications to lead NSA, Cyber Command at confirmation hearing
“For decades I have had the opportunity to be a leader, consumer, enabler, generator and integrator of the intelligence and operational capabilities of the NSA and Cyber Command,” INDOPACOM Deputy Commander Josh Rudd said.
People
Experts see NSA nominee’s Pacific experience as a boost to US cyber posture on China
Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd currently serves as deputy commander of Indo-Pacific Command.
People
Trump renominates Plankey to lead CISA
The cyberdefense agency has been without a permanent director for the past year.
Cybersecurity
Experts press for large‑scale US offensive cyber operations at House hearing
The U.S. will be “hamstrung” until it fully integrates cyber and computer network matters into its military doctrine, the head of the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure said.
People
NSA alum returns to agency to serve as deputy director
Tim Kosiba became the number two leader in the National Security Agency after a prior deputy pick was jettisoned following criticism from far-right activist Laura Loomer.
Cybersecurity
Chinese hackers targeted email systems of US congressional staff, people familiar say
The incident adds another chapter in a storied history of China’s cyber attempts to nab sensitive data from U.S. government systems.
Cybersecurity
EEOC experienced security incident involving contractor’s ‘unauthorized’ access, email says
The agency at the center of the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul U.S. anti-discrimination regulations in workplaces is reviewing the matter with law enforcement.
Cybersecurity
Analysts watch for heightened cyber, disinformation campaigns following Venezuela raid
Disinformation operations have been spotted, but there are no signs the efforts are being coordinated through a foreign government, one observer told Nextgov/FCW.
Cybersecurity
UL Solutions withdraws as lead admin for FCC cyber label program amid probe into China ties
It’s not immediately clear who would administer the program, which was launched under Biden to help designate cyber-secure consumer electronic devices.
Cybersecurity