Tag: us government
80 articles
CISA Warns of Actively Exploited SharePoint Vulnerabilities
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned of three SharePoint vulnerabilities, including CVE-2026-32201, CVE-2026-45659, and CVE-2026-56164, that are being actively exploited by attackers. These flaws, affecting on-premises SharePoint Server installations, pose a significant threat, with one remote code execution flaw rated 8.8 in severity.
US County Pays $1M to Cyber Extortionists Amid Data Leak Threat
A US county recently made a shocking decision to pay $1 million to cyber extortionists, despite lacking concrete proof that the hackers had deleted the stolen data, after a month-long negotiation that began with a hefty demand of $3 million. The extortion group, Kairos, had threatened to leak sensitive information, prompting the county to make a counteroffer that was ultimately outweighed by the threat.
US Government Entity Pays $1 Million to Thwart Data Leak
A US government entity was forced to pay a hefty $1 million ransom to prevent a massive data leak, after a group called Kairos threatened to release 1.6 million files unless their demand was met. The payment was the culmination of a month-long negotiation that began with a $3 million opening demand.
Vought Weighs Rebuilding CISA Amid Budget Cuts
The Trump administration's budget office is leaving the door open to bolstering the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, but only if Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin makes a strong case for more staff. OMB Director Russell Vought signaled a willingness to revisit staffing levels, but at a pace and process determined internally.
US Lifts Export Curbs on Anthropic's AI Models with New Safeguards
Big news for AI innovation: the US has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's cutting-edge AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, after implementing robust safeguards to ensure responsible use. This move paves the way for global collaboration and strengthens America's leadership in AI.
Pentagon Unveils War Force to Lure Top Tech Talent
The Pentagon has launched War Force, a new initiative that connects top engineers with the Department of Defense to tackle complex challenges, building on the success of the Office of Personnel Management's Tech Force program. This move aims to lure the best tech talent to help drive defense missions forward.
OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.6 Sol Cybersecurity Model With Restricted Access
OpenAI has just unveiled GPT-5.6 Sol, its most advanced cybersecurity model yet, and is giving a select group of government-approved partners a sneak peek. This limited preview marks the first release in the GPT-5.6 series, with broader access promised down the line.
US Offers Bounty for Hackers Targeting WhatsApp, Signal Users
The US government is cracking down on hackers targeting WhatsApp and Signal users, offering up to $10 million for information that helps track down those behind the attacks. The move aims to take down Russian-linked hacker groups that have been phishing US officials, military leaders, and allied personnel.
US Secret Service Exposes Agents to Cyber Risk with Lax Mobile Security
The US Secret Service is putting its agents at risk of cyber attacks by allowing them to use personal phones for work, with over 15,000 instances of unsecured calls made during critical operations. This lax mobile security leaves them vulnerable to hackers, despite having access to supposedly secure government-issued devices.
Pentagon Rallies New Defense Firms to Boost Munitions Production
The Pentagon has taken a proactive approach to ramping up munitions production by convening a closed-door meeting with emerging defense firms, including Anduril, Castelion, CoAspire, and Leidos, to discuss accelerating production in response to current global threats. Top defense officials, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, were in attendance to drive this crucial initiative forward.
US Seeks $67 Billion Defense Boost in $87.6 Billion Supplemental Request
The White House is seeking a massive $87.6 billion supplemental spending boost, with a whopping $67.1 billion dedicated to defense costs related to the war in Iran, in a bid to further secure the region and counter the regime's growing threats. This dramatic increase in defense spending comes on the heels of a major operation that successfully deterred a nuclear-armed Iran and crippled its regional influence.
Sen. Warren Probes Raytheon Exec's Ethics on Space Acquisition Nomination
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is pressing a Raytheon executive to promise strict ethics if he's confirmed to the Air Force's top space procurement office, citing concerns about impartiality due to his past ties to the defense contractor. She wants him to commit to a four-year recusal from matters involving his former employer.
NSA Faces AI Setback as White House Limits Mythos 5 Access
The White House's sudden limits on Anthropic's advanced AI models, including Mythos 5, have left the NSA reeling, with some analysts losing access to the powerful tool in a matter of hours. This setback comes at a critical time, with Senator Mark Warner warning that a similar breach had already compromised almost all classified systems in a remarkably short timeframe.
US Eyes Civilian Hackers to Bolster Cyber Operations
The US is considering a game-changing move: enlisting civilian hackers to help breach foreign computer systems, with a pilot program proposed in the Senate Armed Services Committee's defense policy bill. This bold plan would bring private sector expertise under the operational control of US Cyber Command.
Lawmakers Warn Acting DNI Against ODNI Workforce Shakeup
Top Democrats are sounding the alarm, warning Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte that hasty changes at the Office of the DNI could put national security at risk. In a joint letter, Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Mark Warner urged caution, citing Pulte's limited experience within the Intelligence Community.
US Issues Orders to Advance Quantum Computing and Counter Its Risks
The US is taking a bold step forward in quantum computing, with two new executive orders aimed at harnessing its potential while mitigating risks, and National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross emphasizing the need to balance innovation and security. The orders will drive a national effort to accelerate quantum innovation, foster partnerships, and develop a skilled workforce.
L3Harris Converts Qatar Gift into Bridge Air Force One Amid Delays
In just 10 months, L3Harris transformed a gifted Boeing 747-8i into a cutting-edge bridge jet, VC-25B, by deploying a 24/7 team to meet an ambitious deadline tied to Qatar's Independence Day celebrations. The rapid conversion showcases L3Harris's impressive scale and expertise as the world's largest non-OEM integrator of aircraft.
Air Force Introduces VC-25B Bridge Jet to Presidential Airlift Group
The Air Force has introduced the VC-25B Bridge Jet to the Presidential Airlift Group, marking a significant milestone in upgrading the nation's presidential transport capabilities. This interim Air Force One platform, a modified 747-8i gifted by Qatar, will enable the validation of mission-capability and refinement of safety protocols for transporting the President.
Generative AI Models Expose Limits of Export Controls
In a whirlwind sequence of events, Anthropic released its Fable generative AI model on June 9, only to have the US government slap export controls on it three days later, effectively shutting off access for everyone. The rapid clash between AI innovation and national authorities left Anthropic with no choice but to restrict access to its groundbreaking model.
US Government Exposes 3,611 AI Use Cases Amid Transparency Concerns
The US government has just shed light on 3,611 AI projects in a surprise move, revealing a 70% surge in active or planned initiatives compared to the previous administration. But with sparse details, many questions remain unanswered about the goals, risks, and safeguards behind these ambitious AI endeavors.
US Agencies Shift Focus to Cyber Resilience
The US Department of Defense is overhauling its cyber defense strategy, shifting towards a holistic approach that emphasizes cyber resilience, enterprise modernization, and operational effectiveness. Chief Information Officer Kirsten Davies is leading the charge, driving practical reforms to boost automation, streamline processes, and strengthen cybersecurity across the department.
US Orders Anthropic to Disable Top AI Models Over Export Controls
The US government has ordered AI firm Anthropic to disable access to its top models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, for foreign nationals, citing export-control measures. This move has prompted Anthropic to temporarily restrict access to these models for all customers while it works to comply.
Australia's AI Vulnerability Exposes Limits of Global Interdependence
In a stunning move, Anthropic was forced to disable access to its cutting-edge AI models, Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5, globally just days after their release, due to a US export-control directive. This swift decision highlights the fragile nature of global access to advanced technologies.
US Bans Anthropic AI Models Citing National Security Concerns
The US government has taken a drastic step, banning Anthropic's advanced AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, citing national security concerns and imposing strict export controls that even affect foreign-born employees. Anthropic responded with a blunt statement, disagreeing with the decision to recall models used by hundreds of millions of people.