Tech
25 years after 9/11, spy agencies face old lessons and new threats
Former intelligence officials describe a nation better equipped to disrupt terrorist plots, but still wrestling with the costs of its response and how to prevent the next crisis under escalating technology threats.
Tech
NSA looks to AI to help analysts sift through vast data troves
The tools can speed up work that takes days or weeks, the agency’s cybersecurity chief said.
Updated
Management
Nearly 3,150 Labor employees seeking disability accommodations impacted by data leak, internal memo says
A recently disclosed data leak impacts employees who have submitted reasonable accommodation requests since October 2023.
Tech
NSA wants access to ‘all’ AI models, top official says
The spy agency is taking a key role in the government’s new voluntary model-testing program, though its deputy director did not say which companies are participating.
Management
Data from Labor employees seeking disability accommodations impacted by 'internal incident'
The Labor Department is telling employees about an “internal incident report” in which an individual sent employees' sensitive health information to their personal email address.
Oversight
Lawmakers call for watchdog review of DOT’s passenger privacy practices
The Transportation Department “has never taken a single enforcement action related to privacy,” Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, said in a letter to the Government Accountability Office.
Management
House Democrats want answers on what CISA lost in workforce cuts
Lawmakers want Congress’ watchdog to assess what capabilities were lost after the cyber agency shed roughly one-third of its staff.
Tech
The feds want private companies to take the fight to cybercriminals
A new program would put vetted companies in a more active role against transnational criminal groups, with DHS and Justice overseeing the operations.
Tech
A crucial cybersecurity system is getting a closer look from Congress
A proposal to formalize the vulnerability tracking program could strengthen its foundation, but officials warn against rules that could limit its ability to adapt.
Tech
House probe finds gaps in U.S. effort to remove Chinese telecom risks
The findings highlight the challenges agencies face in addressing national security risks embedded in complex private networks.
Exclusive
Management
OPM breach victims could get identity protection for life
The federal government’s coverage for 22.1 million people hoovered up in the China-linked breaches is scheduled to end Sept. 30.
Tech
Russian hackers can steal government emails without victims clicking a link, cyber agencies warn
The Russia-linked Laundry Bear group has compromised more than 10 Western organizations through malicious emails that can trigger an exploit when they are viewed or previewed.
Workforce
Pentagon closes cyber apprenticeship applications early after receiving over 15,000
A Defense Department official told Nextgov/FCW that the agency is “rolling out additional apprenticeship positions over the next few weeks.”
Exclusive
Tech
DHS network intrusion was twice ruled a false positive before breach confirmed
Suspicious activity on the Homeland Security Information Network, which is being used to support World Cup games around the U.S., was first detected around mid-to-late May.
Tech
House Homeland committee seeks briefing on DHS network hack
Cyber intruders accessed the unclassified network being used to help support World Cup games around the U.S., a senator said last week.
Exclusive
Tech
Hackers breached DHS information-sharing network, people familiar say
The Homeland Security Information Network is used by government, international and private sector partners to share sensitive but unclassified information.
Tech
Secret Service phone security lapses put US officials at risk, watchdog says
The DHS inspector general found that agents routinely used personal phones for official work, including during protective operations, because government-issued devices lacked key capabilities.
Tech
Sen. Warner probes whether cyber agency workforce cuts weakened state support
The request comes as officials question whether workforce reductions have affected the federal government's ability to support local cybersecurity efforts.
Tech
White House cyber office hire triggers leadership changes inside infrastructure security agency
A senior CISA official’s move sets off a series of internal assignments as the agency prepares to expand hiring after a year of workforce reductions and restructuring.
Defense