Cybersecurity

Lawmakers want to expand USDA's Circuit Rider program to cover cyber

A new bill would allow small water utilities to obtain funds for cybersecurity consults. 

Experts call for overhaul of 'outdated' critical infrastructure cyber policy

A new report analyzes the federal government’s approach to infrastructure cybersecurity as a key strategy document is getting a rewrite.

U.S., South Korean agencies warn of state-sponsored spearphishing

The North Korea-affiliated group Kimsuky’s email attacks targeted research and media organizations.

Federal vision to streamline cyber incident reporting expected this summer

The Cyber Incident Reporting Council will issue a report to Congress "in the next month or two" with recommendations on ways to achieve harmony across a complex network of federal cyber mandates. 

FTC charges Ring over 'disregard' for customer data security

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed stronger security protocols for home video surveillance company Ring after years of mounting concern over data privacy.

Satellite data could boost border security, disaster response

Homeland Security relies on satellite imagery for its missions—and it wants more.

AI and China are ‘defining challenges of our time,’ CISA director says

Artificial intelligence’s potential as an “extinction event” for humanity prompted CISA Director Jen Easterly to advise companies to “think about self-regulation” for product security and safety.

Unmonitored networks put US nuclear arsenal at risk, GAO finds

A Government Accountability Office report found that the Energy Department cannot effectively monitor potential insider threats to U.S. nuclear security because department staff “have not identified the total number of DOE’s stand-alone classified networks.”

GAO identifies new infosec deficiencies in IRS system controls

The watchdog's annual audit of the agency turned up new recommendations on system access controls and security configurations, alongside a limited release report and previous recommendations.

DHS' cyber agency seeks small biz support for strategic planning

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has set a date to explain its changes to a management consulting services contract.

Energy Department officials eye 2027 date to stand-up cyber intelligence center

Officials from the department's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response told House members Tuesday that work within the threat-sharing pilot program has already shown progress and could use more resources from Congress.

Ransomware vulnerability warning pilot yielding valuable lessons, CISA official says

A new interagency effort to proactively mitigate ransomware vulnerabilities has helped expand information sharing between the public and private sectors, according to a risk operations official from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. 

Lawmakers tell Biden they are ‘extremely concerned’ about critical vacant cyber role

The Office of the National Cyber Director has not had a Senate-confirmed director since former Director Chris Inglis left the post nearly three months ago, just prior to the release of the national cyber strategy.

NIST updates cyber guidance for contractors handling sensitive data

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is accepting comments on the revised document through July 14. 

CISA is growing up, CIO says

CISA's Bob Costello talks top priorities, challenges and growing pains and progress for a CIO office in a relatively young federal agency.

Energy Department's cybersecurity program features critical weaknesses, report says

The Department of Energy is suffering from significant issues surrounding identity and access management, in addition to dozens of other concerns detailed in a new inspector general’s report. 

DISA wants to take Thunderdome pilot to full production in ’30 to 60 days,’ director says

Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner said following the successful test of the zero trust architecture prototype, the Defense Department’s information technology agency is working on an acquisition plan to scale the program.