Author Archive
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Policy
Cyber responses will be ‘linked to adversary actions,’ involve industry: White House
New national cyber strategy, expected last month, will be released “soon."
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.
Policy
CIA overhauls acquisition to get new tech faster
The new framework includes a vendor-vetting system and streamlined IT authorization.
Policy
Nominee to lead NSA backs controversial spying law
Lt. Gen. Josh Rudd also promised to prioritize NSA efforts to protect U.S. elections.
Science & Tech
US military used new 'non-kinetic' cell to guide cyber ops during Maduro capture
The unit is part of a broader push to better integrate cyber, EW, and other non-destructive effects into missions, leaders told lawmakers on Wednesday.
Policy
Rudd defends qualifications to lead NSA, Cyber Command at confirmation hearing
INDOPACOM's deputy commander stopped short of endorsing policy proposals for more aggressive cyber responses to China and other foreign adversaries.
Policy
NSA alum returns to serve as deputy director
A previous Trump-administration choice for the job was jettisoned after criticism by far-right activist Laura Loomer.
