Cybersecurity

Survey Suggests Public Sector Slightly Better than Industry at Prioritizing Mobile Security    

A majority of respondents said they sacrificed security of IoT devices to respond to COVID-19 policies and for expedience generally.

Cybersecurity

White House to Seek Industry Input on New Software Security Rules, NSC Official Says

The administration wants to make sure the private sector has the ability to weigh in on procurement standards in an impending executive order.

Cybersecurity

Experts Torn on Role of National Cyber Director

Former officials agree someone needs to coordinate the work of various government entities but weighed pros and cons to the position being located within the National Security Council.

Cybersecurity

DOD’s Cybersecurity Accreditation Body Open to Pursuing Grants as a Nonprofit 

Once the organization gains non-profit status from the IRS, the board’s chairman sees new funding opportunities opening up that he says could benefit industry.

Cybersecurity

DOD’s Vulnerability Disclosure Program for Contractors Is in Demand

The Defense Cyber Crime Center launched a pilot with “a few dozen” companies participating.

Cybersecurity

DOE Watchdog Detailed Its Cybersecurity State Amid SolarWinds Hack

The department continues to struggle with many of the issues the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency identified after widespread intrusions into the public and private sector. 

Cybersecurity

DOD Concludes Review of First CMMC Certification Organization

The Accreditation Body in charge of the department’s developing certification program also has a notable new leader as others take their leave.

Cybersecurity

CISA Orders Agencies to Conduct Fresh Scans of Microsoft Exchange Servers

The agency issued supplemental guidance requiring new tests with Microsoft-provided tools and measures to harden the attractive target.

Cybersecurity

FedRAMP Outlines Requirements for Using Containers

Container technology allows operability across operating systems and faster development but is a primary security concern for implementers. 

Cybersecurity

Director Says NSA’s Domestic Surveillance Authority ‘Rightly’ Limited

Gen. Paul Nakasone, who oversees both the intelligence agency and U.S. Cyber Command, stressed the need for greater visibility through private-sector information streams.

Cybersecurity

Energy Launches Supply Chain Program As Watchdog Called for More Action 

The Energy Department has been focused on securing the generation and transmission of power, but distribution processes are also increasingly vulnerable.

Cybersecurity

New Software Vendor Standards Coming Within Weeks, CISA Head Says 

The White House is leading an interagency effort focused on software development that will determine federal procurement of information technology.

Podcasts

Critical Update: Disrupting Gene Editing

The CRISPR Cas 9 tool shook up the gene-editing space, leading to new possibilities, risks and questions about who and how the technology should be used. 

Cybersecurity

CISA Will Use New Authority Over Internet Service Providers to Fight Ransomware, Official Says

Acting CISA Director Brandon Wales praised the government’s coordination absent a national cyber director.

Cybersecurity

CISA, FBI Officials Say Federal Payroll Facility Was Not Targeted in Hacking Campaigns

CISA’s acting director identified ways the government is working to improve information sharing about cybersecurity incidents between agencies.

Cybersecurity

FCC Moves to Rescind Permits of More Chinese Telecom Operators

The commission is also seeking public comment on the development of Open Radio Access Networks to improve national security and prosperity.

Cybersecurity

NSA, CISA Promote Domain Name System Incorporating Threat Information

The agencies’ guide on selecting a provider of protective DNS services is based on a pilot with the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center.

Cybersecurity

CISA, FBI Link Exploitation of Microsoft Exchange to Nation-State Actors

The agencies also warned of impending commoditization by criminal groups of access gained through vulnerabilities in the email and calendar service.