Cybersecurity

Incident Reporting Legislation Moves Enforcement Power from CISA Director

The bipartisan measure introduced as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act makes other significant changes to legislation introduced in September.

Cybersecurity

DOD Suspends Cybersecurity Certification Program Pending Major Changes

The Pentagon outlined the changes ahead for its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program with two new rulemaking processes.

Cybersecurity

U.S. Blacklists NSO Group and 3 Others for Selling Spyware, Hacking Tools

The Commerce Department says the companies—three from allied nations—acted against U.S. national security interests. 

Cybersecurity

CISA Orders Agencies to Patch Hundreds of Vulnerabilities Under Attack

Remediation of more than a third of the bugs the agency identified is due within two weeks. 

Cybersecurity

TSA Considers Rulemaking Process for Cybersecurity in Transportation Sector

The announcement from a White House official follows pressure from industry and GOP lawmakers questioning the administration’s use of security directives to improve the sector’s cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity

Bill to Codify FedRAMP Set for Vote in Senate Committee

If passed, agencies would have to explain their reasons for rejecting previously authorized cloud products or services.

Artificial Intelligence

Presidential Advisers Recommend Agencies Invest in Automating Software Assurance

The National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee is about to meet with senior cybersecurity officials from the White House on the issue.

Cybersecurity

NSA, CISA Weigh in on Shared Responsibility for Cloud Security in the 5G Era

Fifth-generation networking is expected to multiply opportunities for hackers using tactics already observed in attacks like the one against IT management firm SolarWinds.

Cybersecurity

National Cyber Director Explains Appointment of Federal CISO to His Office

The move comes amid confusion about the roles and responsibilities of various federal cybersecurity leaders.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Is One of Five Pillars in State’s Modernization Initiative

In addition to creating two new positions to handle international cyber and emerging tech issues, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is calling for a 50% increase in the department’s IT budget.

Digital Government

White House Names Leaders for FCC and NTIA

With the nomination of Gigi Sohn, the FCC is also now poised to have a full suite of commissioners to tackle issues under its remit, including cybersecurity.

Podcasts

Critical Update: The Federal CISO Is Prioritizing Flexibility for Agencies

In a new age of cyberattacks, Chris DeRusha says agencies must have more room to implement practices that enable constant vigilance.

Cybersecurity

Microsoft: SolarWinds Hackers Ramping Up Attacks Through Resellers

The company said supply chain attacks by Russian government hackers over the last four months exceed those they’ve been tracking by all nation-state actors over the last three years.

Cybersecurity

Justice Official Dangles Liability Protections to Encourage Private-Sector Breach Reports

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco also promised to compensate whistleblowers who reveal federal contractors misrepresenting their cybersecurity posture.

Cybersecurity

National Cyber Director: Liability Should Be Part of the Equation for Public-Private Collaboration

Cyber leaders’ plan to emphasize collective defense over offense hinges on industry’s willingness to share information with government in real time.

Cybersecurity

Feds Urge Action Against BlackMatter Ransomware Based on Third-Party Tip

A joint advisory officially associates the notorious ransomware-as-a-service group with the Colonial Pipeline attack.

Cybersecurity

CISA Seeking Answers for Implementation of Endpoint Detection and Response Tools

The agency has an idea of what it wants from the capability but is soliciting industry input on key aspects of an enduring investment plan.

Cybersecurity

Treasury Analysis Identifies Cryptocurrency Exchanges Associated With Ransomware

The department is tracking a huge increase in ransomware disclosures but data suggests the events are still grossly underreported.

Cybersecurity

Health Agency CISO Looks to Increase Security in Software Transparency Requirements

Robert Wood aims to improve security while fostering faster mission execution from a DevSecOps “BatCAVE” at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Cybersecurity

White House Unveils 32 Countries Invited to Participate in Ransomware Meeting

India, the United Kingdom, Australia and Germany will have leadership roles during the two-day event. Russia was not invited.