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.

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

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.

Threats

US, observers watch for cyber, disinformation campaigns in wake of Venezuela raid

Disinformation operations have been spotted, but there are no signs the efforts are being coordinated by a foreign government, one observer said.

Threats

US spy agencies contributed to operation that captured Maduro

The CIA helped locate the Venezuelan leader while others monitored electronic communications.

Policy

Leaders tapped to fill months-long vacancies atop NSA, Cyber Command

The signals-intelligence titan and the combatant command have been without a permanent leader since April.

Policy

After eight months, administration signals a potential leader for NSA, CyberCom

The White House has asked senators to confirm a promotion for Army Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, deputy director for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Policy

Intelligence community should monitor supply chains, says new natsec strategy

It's another example of the Trump administration's treatment of economic interests as national-security issues.

Policy

NSA has 2,000 fewer people now, meeting Trump-admin goal

The exact size of the agency’s workforce is not publicly known, but a fact sheet distributed by Maryland last year put it at 39,000.

Threats

Foreign spies see opportunity in fed workers' uncertainty, Army warns

The service's deputy chief for intelligence told more than a million soldiers, civilian employees, and family members to be on their guard.

Threats

At NSA, a leadership vacuum and staff cuts threaten operations and morale

"That’s what happens when your boss disappears, and then some of your lead unicorns also disappear,” one person said.

Policy

CyberCorps talent pipeline buckles under Trump hiring freezes

Federal logjams are keeping the scholarship program from delivering trained students to government cybersecurity positions.

Policy

Industry groups push to keep open-source measures in annual intelligence bill

But several elements of the intelligence community oppose the provisions in the House version of the Intelligence Authorization Act.