Author Archive
David DiMolfetta
Cybersecurity Reporter, Nextgov/FCW
David DiMolfetta covers cybersecurity for Nextgov/FCW. Previously, he researched The Cybersecurity 202 and The Technology 202 newsletters at The Washington Post and covered AI, cybersecurity and technology policy for S&P Global Market Intelligence. He holds a BBA from The George Washington University and an MS from Georgetown University. Get in touch with him on X/Twitter: @ddimolfetta
Defense Systems
A new way to sound the alarm about open-source hacks
Recent attempts to sabotage free-to-use software components have a leading developers group working to spread the word about exploits.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Enemies may disrupt US satellites by hacking ground stations, Pentagon says
As commercial firms enable more of the military's space operations, basic cybersecurity concepts become essential, says MIeke Eoyang, DASD for cyber policy.
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
Spy agencies need policies to protect sensitive data about American consumers: ODNI
The intelligence community frequently buys data that reveals personal details about individual U.S. citizens, a report found last year.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
China's Volt Typhoon campaign is metastasizing
US diplomats decry penetrations of critical infrastructure that show a new "type of threat and intent.”
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Set your email servers to block N. Korean spies, US officials urge
The Kimsuky hacking group has been penetrating systems that neglect to ward off a "Reply-to" exploit, NSA and FBI say.
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
Controversial surveillance program gets 2-year extension
Biden signed a law that extends Section 702 authorities into 2026—and lacks proposed limits on intelligence agencies' right to gather and search Americans' communications.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Russian hackers sabotaged Texas water-treatment plant: cyber firm
If officials confirm it, Moscow would join the list of recent foreign infiltrators of U.S. water infrastructure.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Russia stole US agencies' emails from Microsoft systems, CISA says
The alert comes a week after DHS faulted the company for a security culture that enabled a similar China-backed cyberattack last year.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
It's getting harder to identify China's network attacks, Mandiant CEO says
In an interview, Kevin Mandia also said it's probably easier to sway an election through misinformation than hacking.
- Frank Konkel and David DiMolfetta
Policy
When can US spies buy your personal data? New guidelines are coming
The ODNI will soon release "extra safeguards" for protecting citizens' privacy when buying datasets, a top Pentagon lawyer says.
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
The Pentagon gets a cyber czar
Upon confirmation, the new assistant defense secretary for cyber policy will oversee spending on network operations, outreach to industry, and more.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Cyber Force? Report argues for new armed service
The study, which involved interviews with active-duty and retired U.S. military officers, calls for an independent Cyber Force with 10,000 people.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Government was third-largest ransomware target last year: FBI
And scams that feature impostors posing as government officials are on the rise.
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
Top Pentagon IT official departs deputy CIO role
Lily Zeleke will be taking over “new responsibilities” at the agency, though it’s still unknown what her new position is.
- Natalie Alms and David DiMolfetta
Defense Systems
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.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
As adversaries harness AI, tech firms peer through chat logs to catch them
A Microsoft-Open AI report announces the beginning of a new era—and raises unanswered questions about privacy and transparency.
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
Section 702 surveillance could be renewed in funding bill, sources say
Backers may point to classified intelligence to convince colleagues to support the renewal of the controversial warrantless spying power.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Expect China to attack US infrastructure within 3 years, MITRE CTO says
The US needs to figure out how to disconnect its industrial-control systems from its networks—and fast, says a top leader of the defense R&D not-for-profit.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Read CISA's security checklist for election offices
From foreign interference to domestic extremists, state and local election officials face more threats than ever.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
How the FBI hamstrung a Chinese hacker group
U.S. operatives tricked its botnet into deleting malware from hundreds of networked devices, a cybersecurity firm reports.
- David DiMolfetta