Tech

Federal CIO defends Login security after health agency dropped it from grantee system

Clare Martorana doubled down on Login’s capabilities, saying the government “needs to continue to rely” on the tool.

Oversight

HHS removed Login from its grantee payment system after funding theft

Hackers used data from a federal contracting hub to steal funding from seven grantee organizations in an HHS breach that occurred last year. Both HHS and GSA say that Login.gov was not compromised or connected to the theft.

Oversight

Russian hackers accessed federal agencies' emails in Microsoft breach, CISA says

The alert comes a week after Microsoft was faulted in a Homeland Security Department report for fostering a security culture that enabled a similar China-backed cyberattack last year.

Tech

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.

Defense

The Pentagon wants to help boost cybersecurity for small contractors

A new strategy outlines how the Defense Department plans to increase security and strengthen relationships across the industrial base.

Tech

U.S. accuses Chinese hackers of a 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.

Tech

U.S. still finding victims of advanced China-linked hacking campaign, NSA official says

The Volt Typhoon hacking collective, backed by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, has been working to burrow into sensitive U.S. systems, officials previously said.

Tech

Ex-NSA innovation chief’s new startup looks to future-proof federal agencies against cyberthreats

Kevin Keaton’s Eyris would fuse blockchain technologies into advanced security solutions to defend federal agencies, the Pentagon and others against cyber threats.

Tech

CISA targeted through Ivanti VPN vulnerabilities, reports say

The DHS agency has been issuing warnings about Ivanti products since at least 2020.

Tech

Biden's $1.67 trillion budget boosts tech, AI

The Biden administration’s FY2025 budget request provides agencies with $3 billion “to responsibly develop, test, procure and integrate transformative AI applications across the federal government.”

Oversight

Lawmakers try to reform federal cybersecurity again

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee passed a FISMA modernization proposal on to the full floor on Thursday.

Management

New bill aims to bring SNAP card security up to credit card standards

Security standards for SNAP cards have not kept pace with industry advancements, lawmakers say.

Tech

Government facilities were third largest ransomware target in 2023, FBI says

The FBI’s IC3 findings also show government official impersonation scams are on the rise.

Management

White House stalls on digital identity mandate, despite billions in fraud

President Biden previewed an executive order in his 2022 State of the Union meant to address identity theft and fraud in public benefit programs. As Biden gears up for his 2024 address, the order still hasn’t been released.

Tech

How the procurement process can help agencies acquire responsible AI

Buying artificial intelligence is not just about setting new policies to manage emerging technology, but applying tried-and-true processes, one expert says.

Tech

FCC staff targeted in phishing attack that cloned agency login site

A cybercriminal group built a duplicate webpage used by employees to validate their login credentials.

Tech

Energy to fund 16 infrastructure cybersecurity projects 

The White House’s cybersecurity strategy implementation plan asks the agency to identify pilot projects for energy infrastructure security.

Tech

Feds preach vigilance amid multiple physical, cyber threats against election officials

In response, agencies as varied as CISA and the Postal Inspection Service are offering a slew of free and low-cost resources in a bid to help states and localities keep issues under control.

Tech

Biden to sign executive order boosting cybersecurity of ports, maritime vessels

The order empowers the Coast Guard to shore up cyber protections for maritime systems and harden current cyber incident reporting rules.