Author Archive

David DiMolfetta

Cybersecurity Reporter, Nextgov/FCW

David DiMolfetta
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.
Exclusive Policy

Experts call for halt of AI chip exports to China after White House distillation warning

An AI policy group argues the move is necessary after the White House warned that Beijing is attempting to use U.S. AI systems to build similar capabilities.

Threats

China has ‘deliberate, industrial-scale campaigns’ to steal US AI models, White House says

Administration officials said they would be working with the private sector to counter foreign-led distillation campaigns.

Policy

Autonomous weapons will be 'key part' of US warfare: Joint Chiefs chairman

Gen. Dan Caine said the Pentagon is looking at autonomous tech for drones and command-and-control, but lawmakers have questions.

Policy

DHS intelligence revamp would keep it answerable to nation's top spy

A proposed FY27 overhaul would keep DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis answerable to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Business

US push to counter hackers draws industry deeper into offensive cyber debate

The White House is expanding the market for offensive cyber capabilities—and drawing more of the private sector into that ecosystem—even as policy boundaries around their use remain unclear.

Policy

Homeland Security intel office restructuring would keep oversight under ODNI

An overhaul proposed in the FY27 budget would leave DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis answerable to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, despite questions about its oversight.

Science & Tech

CIA employees will get AI 'coworkers'—and eventually run teams of AI agents, deputy says

Deputy Director Michael Ellis said the spy agency recently used AI to generate an intelligence report for the first time.

Policy

Spy agencies eye new Anthropic AI model that spots cyber flaws

Claude Mythos Preview has found vulnerabilities in "every major operating system and web browser," company officials say.

Threats

Pro-Iran hackers have disrupted some industrial-control systems, US says

The hackers have targeted federal and local governments, water systems, and energy infrastructure, say cyber and intelligence agencies.

Threats

CIA deception campaign helped rescue downed airman in Iran, director says

The president suggested the agency had a covert way to track the F-15 crewman's movements.

Policy

White House aims to fold DHS' main intel arm into secretary's office

Last year, the administration halved the Office of Intelligence and Analysis. Will lawmakers preserve its independence?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"

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.

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.

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.

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.