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 . If you have a tip you'd like to share, David can be securely contacted at djd.99 on Signal.
Science & Tech
AI may revive old-school tradecraft even as it transforms intelligence work
As electronic messages get harder to trust, human meetings will become more important than ever, a former CIA agent argues.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Pro-Iran hackers claim breach of FBI director’s email
The leaks appear to be authentic, according to a person familiar with the matter.
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
ODNI is building a framework to boost spy agencies’ AI adoption
A tech modernization push launched last year also included expanded threat hunting across IC networks, according to an official.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Ex-NSA leaders say Americans are becoming ‘numb’ to cyber threats
A serious cyberattack hasn’t prompted a strong enough policy or public reaction, one former director said.
- David DiMolfetta
Exclusive
Policy
New NSA director urges more intelligence sharing with allies
In his first all-hands meeting, Gen. Josh Rudd told personnel to work with partner countries "until it hurts"
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
DNI's threat assessment omits foreign election interference
Tulsi Gabbard's contradictory Iran nuclear testimony highlights tensions between intelligence community and White House war justifications.
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
US counterterrorism chief resigns over Iran war
Joe Kent said Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation” and that the attack was launched after pressure from Israel.
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
StateChat users move to older AI model as State dumps Anthropic
The chatbot's new model is trained on data only through May 2024, 13 months behind Claude.
- Alexandra Kelley and David DiMolfetta
Policy
NSA, Cyber Command get a permanent leader, ending 11-month gap
Gen. Joshua Rudd has spent his career largely in special operations and joint command roles.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Russia-linked hackers appear on Iran war’s cyber front, but their impact is murky
Some experts question the significance of pro-Russia “hacktivist” groups.
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
Air Force cybersecurity chief tapped to lead Pentagon's information-security efforts
James Bishop will replace acting DCIO(CS)-CISO David McKeown, who followed acting chief Katie Arrington.
- Frank Konkel and David DiMolfetta
Exclusive
Policy
CISA nominee: I left Coast Guard to address GOP hold
Sean Plankey told Nextgov he was reacting to lawmakers' concerns about his shipbuilding ties.
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
Trump’s CISA nominee to exit Coast Guard role, but still in running to lead cyber agency
Sean Plankey has been serving in a Coast Guard advisory role for some months and is still set to be the nominee to lead CISA.
- David DiMolfetta and Thomas Novelly
Threats
Cyber, Space Commands were among 'first movers' in strikes on Iran: top general
Coordinated space and cyber operations left Iran "without the ability to see, coordinate or respond effectively," Gen. Caine said.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Intelligence firms watch for uptick in Iran cyber activity after US, Israel strikes
Analysts say organizations should remain vigilant, though early indications show Iran-linked hackers have overstated their success.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Fake DOD memo about ‘compromised’ apps shows swift spread of deceptive messaging
The message, widely circulated as the U.S. bombed Iran, shows how quickly unverified information can reach troops.
- David DiMolfetta
Threats
Strikes on Iran will test US cyber strategy abroad, and defenses at home
The federal government’s cyber defense agency is short-staffed, and Tehran is known for its retaliatory cyberattacks.
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
Sen. Wyden to block confirmation for NSA director, citing lack of experience
The Oregon senator took issue with Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd’s responses to questions regarding civil liberties and oversight against unlawful surveillance.
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
Cyber responses will be ‘linked to adversary actions,’ involve industry: White House
New national cyber strategy, expected last month, will be released “soon."
- David DiMolfetta
Policy
CISA to furlough most of its workforce under impending DHS shutdown
The shutdown would also slow ongoing revamps of a major cyber incident reporting rule that was signed into law in 2022, acting director Madhu Gottumukkala said this week.
- David DiMolfetta