Cybersecurity
Salt Typhoon hacks to influence final round of DARPA’s AI-cyber competition
This summer, seven teams will compete to craft a best-case model that uses AI to detect and fix open-source vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Recently discovered Chinese telecom hacks will help shape the final round, a top DARPA official said.
Cybersecurity
People should be ‘outraged’ by efforts to shrink federal cyber teams, former CISA head says
As adversaries like China continue targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, Chris Krebs says we should "make CISA great again" amid expected cuts mounting inside the cyber agency.
Cybersecurity
Forthcoming NIST profile to address growing AI-cyber challenges
The Cyber AI Profile, currently in development, could help firms better prepare for hackers that use AI tools to enhance their cyberattacks, a top NIST official said at the RSAC Conference.
Policy
Justice Dept. rescinds rules safeguarding media from government seizures
The rules, first issued under former Attorney General Merrick Garland, gave members of the press protections from legal mechanisms to obtain sensitive data linked to their reporting.
People
South Dakota CIO to become deputy director at CISA
Madhu Gottumukkala will take over a position that has remained vacant since Nitin Natarajan departed the agency in January.
Cybersecurity
FBI asks public for tips about Salt Typhoon telecom hacks
Salt Typhoon accessed at least nine U.S. telecom firms and their systems that facilitate legal access requests for law enforcement.
Cybersecurity
Top intelligence lawmaker fears China may exploit DOGE’s changes to government
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., also called out the Trump administration on the recent firing of NSA Director Timothy Haugh, a move he viewed as “puzzling.”
Policy
State Department moves cyber and intelligence bureaus under agencywide reorg
Some 15% of the agency’s domestic staff will be eliminated as part of the reorganization announced Tuesday.
Policy
NSF cancels over 400 grants covering disinformation, deepfakes and STEM education
Some $328 million worth of research grants to institutions was canned amid a broader restructuring of the National Science Foundation. Disinformation research and empowerment of underprivileged people in STEM fields were prime targets.
People
CISA officials who led Secure by Design initiative resign
Bob Lord and Lauren Zabierek are the latest to depart the cyber agency, as DOGE-fueled cuts and broader Trump reduction plans have placed it in the crosshairs.
Policy
US urging allies to cease talks with Chinese satellite industry
Internal talking points also give State Department officials guidance on how to respond to allies’ concerns about SpaceX’s Starlink.
Cybersecurity
CISA warns threat hunting staff of end to Google, Censys contracts as agency cuts set in
“We understand the importance of these tools in our operations and are actively exploring alternative tools to ensure minimal disruption,” said the email sent to several hundred CISA cyber threat hunters.
Cybersecurity
Chinese telcos provide backbone for US allies’ mobile traffic, raising espionage concerns
A report from iVerify and other researchers found that mobile networks in countries like Japan, South Korea and New Zealand route telecom traffic through Chinese state-backed infrastructure.
Cybersecurity
Former cyber official Chris Krebs to leave SentinelOne in bid to fight Trump pressure
“For those who know me, you know I don’t shy away from tough fights. But I also know this is one I need to take on fully — outside of SentinelOne,” Krebs said.
Cybersecurity
CISA extends MITRE-backed CVE contract hours before its lapse
“Last night, CISA executed the option period on the contract to ensure there will be no lapse in critical CVE services,” an agency spokesperson said.
Updated
Cybersecurity
MITRE-backed cyber vulnerability program to lose funding Wednesday
Organizations across industry, government, national security and critical infrastructure rely on the CVE Program, which serves as the de-facto global standard for vulnerability identification and management.
Cybersecurity
User with Russian IP address tried to log into NLRB systems following DOGE access, whistleblower says
The blocked login attempts, detailed in an extensive whistleblower complaint filed to the Senate Intelligence Committee and others, may indicate foreign adversaries have begun leveraging DOGE inroads into sensitive federal systems.
Cybersecurity
Chinese police say NSA hacked networks of Asian Winter Games
The accusations, which name three supposed NSA operatives, come amid escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China.
Cybersecurity
Top homeland security lawmaker calls for cautious cuts to CISA
“We have to be very careful about who and what we cut, because [the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency] does have a mission to overwatch our critical infrastructure and make sure the bad guys aren’t getting in,” said Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn.
People