Tag: us government
149 articles
CISA's CDM Program Accelerates Federal Cybersecurity Push
The Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program at CISA is shifting into high gear, with a focus on speed, unification, and data-driven risk management to supercharge federal cybersecurity. We have to get faster, and CISA is taking bold steps to equip federal entities to defend themselves against rapidly evolving threats.
US Spacewatch Effort TraCSS Faces Funding Crossroads
Eight years after the 2018 Space Policy Directive-3, the US Spacewatch Effort TraCSS is still in pilot mode, failing to deliver on its promise of integrating commercial spacewatch data to enhance space tracking. It's a critical crossroads: will TraCSS get the funding it needs to evolve beyond a pilot program?
White House Taps Cao for Permanent Navy Secretary Role
President Trump has nominated Hung Cao, a seasoned leader who's been serving as acting Secretary of the Navy since April, for the permanent role, urging the Senate to confirm him quickly. Cao's nomination, along with other senior Navy civilian posts, is now before the Senate, pending confirmation.
Defense Logistics Agency Deploys Autonomous AI Agents
The Defense Logistics Agency is revolutionizing its operations by deploying autonomous AI agents, dubbed "digital employees," that work around the clock to boost efficiency. This shift marks a cultural as much as technical change, requiring workers to trust and manage AI-driven outcomes.
US Spy Agencies Face Evolving Threats 25 Years After 9/11
Twenty-five years after 9/11, US spy agencies face a new landscape of threats, but former CIA deputy director Michael Morell believes the country is significantly safer, having made notable gains against terrorist organizations. However, he also acknowledges that the US overreacted in its response, citing costly policy choices like the Iraq War and prolonged conflict in Afghanistan.
US National Cyber Director Warns of AI-Driven Cybersecurity Time Crunch
National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross warns that the rapid spread of AI is creating a pressing cybersecurity time crunch, framing it as a high-stakes race between innovation and securing critical systems. Governments are scrambling to "buy time" to bolster defenses before AI-driven threats overwhelm them.
CIA Elevates Cyber Ops to Center of Intelligence Missions
The CIA's cyber operations have taken center stage in intelligence missions, as highlighted by Deputy Director Michael Ellis, who credited the Center of Cyber Intelligence with enabling a flawless intelligence picture that led to the successful apprehension of Nicolás Maduro. Cyber ops proved to be the game-changer, allowing US special forces to pinpoint Maduro's location and apprehend him within minutes of landing.
Congress Averts Shutdown, Funds Defense Programs Through December
Congress has breathed a sigh of relief, avoiding a shutdown by passing a defense funding bill that will keep federal funding in place through December 11. The bill, which sailed through the House with a 370-48 vote, ensures that current defense programs, including vital weapons initiatives, will continue to receive funding at fiscal 2026 levels.
Navy Bolsters Mission Resilience with Measured Modernization
At the Department of the Navy, modernization isn't just about adopting new tech - it's about bolstering mission readiness and ensuring seamless performance. By upgrading with care, the Navy can deliver new capabilities without disrupting critical operations.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Resigns Amid Strained Pentagon Ties
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is stepping down from his role after serving for less than two years, sparking a new chapter for the Department of the Army. His departure comes amid reports of strained ties with the Pentagon and a conversation with President Trump about the Army's future.
US Launches 'Watershed 250' to Bolster Water Sector Cybersecurity
The US has launched Project Watershed 250, a game-changing initiative that brings together top cyber and AI experts to safeguard America's water systems from growing cyber threats. This six-month pilot in Texas marks a major step forward in the nation's cybersecurity strategy, uniting state, industry, and federal efforts to put America's safety first.
AI Kill Switch Act Mirrors Clipper Chip's Flawed Design
Policymakers are racing to prevent AI disasters, but a proposed kill switch law may be backfiring - mirroring the flawed design of a notorious 90s surveillance chip. The AI Kill Switch Act could give a federal agency sweeping powers to shut down cutting-edge AI systems, but is it a solution waiting for a problem?
US Agencies Targeted in Chinese Cyber Espionage Operation
The US Department of Justice made a telling edit to their recent press release, quietly changing the wording from "victims" to "among the targets" of a China-linked hacking group that hit several high-profile US agencies. This subtle shift highlights the scope of a brazen cyber espionage operation that compromised sensitive government networks.
FBI Warns of Chinese Hacker Group QTFY's Infrastructure Attacks
Meet QTFY, a notorious Chinese hacker group that's been wreaking havoc on US government and critical infrastructure networks with its custom-built QScan platform, capable of conducting over 2 million scanning and penetration testing tasks in just one day. This sophisticated tool has helped QTFY identify and exploit targets with alarming speed and accuracy.
US Government Cyber Experts Warn of AI-Driven Security Challenges
The US Coast Guard faces a daunting task in keeping its vast network secure, with 1,500 global locations - including remote sites in Alaska and Maine that are only accessible by snowmobile - making routine maintenance and patching a logistical nightmare. This dispersed footprint poses significant cyber security challenges, especially when combined with environmental constraints.
Army Cyber Command Pursues Dedicated AI Funding for Enhanced Defenses
The Army Cyber Command is pushing for a dedicated AI funding line to supercharge its defensive cyber operations and stay ahead of emerging threats. This strategic move will likely become a top budget priority for the foreseeable future.
US Urges AI Sector to be Designated Critical Infrastructure
The US government is being urged to recognize the AI sector as critical infrastructure, a designation that would highlight its importance to the country's well-being and security. This call to action comes from a new report by Americans for Responsible Innovation, which argues that the AI sector already has all the hallmarks of a vital industry.
Senate P pares Back Federal Paid Leave Bill
The fight for federal paid leave is heating up - will workers gain a guaranteed 12 weeks off to care for themselves, loved ones, or support a family member recovering from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking? A bipartisan bill in the House and a Senate proposal are vying for support.
US Research Security Strategy Unveils New Safeguards
The National Security Science and Technology Strategy introduces cutting-edge safeguards to shield America's research and innovation edge from evolving threats, ensuring the country's economic and military strength remains unmatched. By embracing novel security solutions, experts can safeguard the nation's science and technology ecosystem.
Congress Faces Funding Deadline Crunch
With the new fiscal year looming, can Congress overcome its differences and strike a funding deal before it's too late? The clock is ticking down to a make-or-break moment for lawmakers returning from recess.
US Agencies Warn of AI-Driven Attacks on Siemens PLCs
US agencies have sounded the alarm on a growing threat: hackers are using artificial intelligence to launch automated attacks on critical infrastructure, including factories, power plants, and water systems, by targeting Siemens PLCs. This active threat has prompted a joint warning from the NSA, CISA, FBI, Department of Energy, and Environmental Protection Agency.
Pentagon Targets Expired Satellites with Deorbiting Tech Contracts
The Pentagon is taking aim at expired satellites with cutting-edge deorbiting technology contracts, recently awarding $8.4 million to three innovative companies - D-Orbit, Firefly Aerospace, and Katalyst Space - to design and demonstrate spacecraft that can safely capture and remove dead satellites from orbit. This Deorbit-as-a-Service effort is a major step towards giving the US government flexible, on-demand access to orbital logistics.
US Weighs Nationalizing AI Giants OpenAI and Anthropic
As the AI giants OpenAI and Anthropic face growing headwinds, including public backlash and market turbulence, some experts believe the US government should consider nationalizing these companies before they stumble. With their valuations already taking a hit, now may be the perfect time for the government to step in and catch them before they fall.
US Enlists Private Sector in Cybercrime Hacking Operations
The US government has taken a bold step in the fight against cybercrime, enlisting the help of the private sector to tackle transnational criminal organizations in a newly signed presidential memorandum. This move has sparked reactions ranging from cautious optimism to alarm, as experts weigh the potential benefits and risks of this unprecedented collaboration.