Cybersecurity

Congress tries again for comprehensive data privacy bill

The bill would establish national data privacy standards, with the Federal Trade Commission crafting rules for enforcement.

Cybersecurity

China-backed operatives used fake social profiles to gauge US political division, Microsoft says

Some of the fake accounts used AI-generated images, and have doubled or tripled their followers since being detected, the company told Nextgov/FCW.

Cybersecurity

Linux backdoor was a long con, possibly with nation-state support, experts say

If the XZ Utils vulnerability hadn’t been caught in time, hackers would have had a “skeleton key to the world,” one analyst told Nextgov/FCW.

Cybersecurity

Return of net neutrality will hamstring some foreign broadband firms, FCC official says

The reclassification of broadband as a Title II service will give the Federal Communications Commission new power over internet service providers, and the agency says it will be a boon to U.S. network security.

Cybersecurity

Microsoft at fault for ‘avoidable errors’ leading to Chinese email hack last year, DHS group finds

The company’s cybersecurity culture contributed to an environment that enabled the incident, according to the findings.

Cybersecurity

CISA resource looks to help high-risk groups thwart cyberattacks

Civil society organizations, community groups and others often lack budgets and resources needed to defend against hackers.

Cybersecurity

CISA sounds alarm on deep-seated vulnerability in Linux tool

The malicious code was introduced by a user that has long-contributed to the open-source ecosystem.

Cybersecurity

DOD stands up new civilian-facing cyber policy office

The nominated head of the new Pentagon office is awaiting confirmation in Congress.

Cybersecurity

2 wireless protocols expose mobile users to spying — the FCC wants to fix that

The protocols are a cornerstone of wireless communications but may contain flaws that enable hackers to tap into Americans’ mobile activities, the agency says.

Cybersecurity

CISA's proposed framework for cyber incident reporting rules includes subpoena power

The rules also require that covered entities that pay ransomware hackers to regain control of their systems and data must report such payments to CISA.

Cybersecurity

Some banks moving too slow to address AI-powered cyberthreats, Treasury says

The agency’s findings will be distributed to Capitol Hill with the hope of drumming up legislation or other initiatives to study the risks.

Cybersecurity

US accuses Chinese hackers of 14-year campaign targeting government officials

The coordinated charges include sanctions on Chinese government-affiliated hackers and an up to $10 million reward for information about the defendants.

Defense

The US must create an independent cyber armed service, report argues

The study involved interviews with over 75 active-duty and retired U.S. military officers and argues an independent Cyber Force is an ideal operating model.

Cybersecurity

New bill would create payment incentives for the health sector to meet cyber standards

The measure led by Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va. comes in the wake of a ransomware attack on UnitedHealth subsidiary Change Healthcare.

Cybersecurity

Congress expected to approve government spending bill that cuts CISA funding

The agency has previously stressed that funding will be needed to combat cyber threats and coordinate with partners as the November presidential election approaches.

Cybersecurity

Biden nominates first assistant defense secretary for cyber policy

The position was created to address concerns about missing civilian leadership in the Pentagon’s cyber policy space.

Cybersecurity

Biden seeks 10% bump to civilian cybersecurity spending for FY25

The funding boost is influenced by the White House’s National Cyber Strategy released last year.

Cybersecurity

Government funding bill punts extension of controversial spying power

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expires April 19 unless reauthorized by Congress, and an 11th-hour funding bill crafted to avert a partial government shutdown doesn't address the matter.