Business

Microsoft ends use of China-based engineers to patch DOD systems

The move comes after a ProPublica report highlighted a Microsoft program that allows foreign engineers to indirectly interact with U.S. military systems through American “escort” intermediaries.

Threats

Salt Typhoon hacks into National Guard systems a ‘serious escalation,’ experts warn

“All U.S. forces must now assume their networks are compromised and will be degraded,” a former Air National Guard servicemember said.

Policy

SASC to Pentagon: you need a new cyber-deterrence plan

Trump-administration nominees and members of the Senate Armed Services Committee recently traded views on how to deal with rising threats to critical infrastructure.

Threats

Iran-backed hackers may target US defense companies tied to Israel, agencies warn

“Despite a declared ceasefire and ongoing negotiations towards a permanent solution, Iranian-affiliated cyber actors and hacktivist groups may still conduct malicious cyber activity,” a government advisory says.

Science & Tech

Cyber Command executive director departs for expected role in private sector

As Morgan Adamski leaves, the NSA's Patrick Ware will become the top civilian at the combatant command, amid other changes at the nation’s top hacking unit.

Threats

Expect Iran to retaliate against US networks, DHS says

Iran's previous attacks on U.S. systems include last year's theft of sensitive documents from the Trump campaign.

Policy

2026 budget proposal would axe one-third of CISA workforce

The White House spending proposal would cut nearly 1,000 jobs at the nation’s lead civilian cyber agency, and reduce funding for related cyber and intel programs.

Policy

New plans detail State Department layoffs and changes

National-security offices and units that cover Asia and the Middle East will be consolidated or slashed as thousands of employees are laid off.

Policy

An 18th-century war power resurfaces in cyber policy talks

An old-world legal concept has drawn interest as a way to give private firms more leeway to fight state-backed hackers.

Policy

The DOD’s tech agency braces for 10% workforce cut

The agency hopes to bring some staff back in a “surgical rehiring,” said Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton, head of the Defense Information Systems Agency.

Policy

Could striking first in cyber be new Pentagon policy?

Bolstering cyber operations is top of mind for Katie Sutton, the White House’s pick to lead Defense Department cyber policy.

Science & Tech

Army’s latest networked-warfare experiment ‘took back’ Fort Irwin

Project Convergence-Capstone 5 points to a need for more robots and combining offensive and defensive fires.

Policy

Top NSC official wants to normalize offensive hacking as tool of US might

Alexei Bulazel's remarks are the clearest indication yet that the United States is working out ways to hack back against foreign enemies and rivals.

Science & Tech

Back like it never left: Austin swarmed with defense tech for SXSW

Defense techies, startups, and investors were in full force this week—if not on the main stage.

Science & Tech

Future of US digital security in jeopardy due to White House attacks on science organization, officials say

Current and former cybersecurity officials say Trump administration attacks on key research centers will benefit China.

Science & Tech

Insider-threat detectors fail too often. A new tool could help plug leaks

Building a live model of dataflows and workflows can help reveal where access controls are inefficient or broken.