Coalition of Agencies Push for Cyber Workforce Paradigm Shift
The drumbeat of agencies, working groups, and commissions calling for heightened national attention to the cybersecurity workforce ratcheted up again last week, with a new report from the interagency Federal Cyber Workforce Management and Coordinating Working Group advocating for “strategic changes” to the nation’s approach to developing a cyber workforce.
OPM, Contractor Reach Preliminary Settlement in Data Breach Class Action
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its security contractor Peraton Risk Decision reached a preliminary settlement with a class action lawsuit concerning data breaches.
POTUS Signs Trio of Bills into Law Concerning Cybersecurity
President Joe Biden signed three bipartisan cybersecurity bills into law to address the shortage of talent, local and state security measures, and advance electronic records modernization.
Federal CIO Releases Enterprising IT Operating Plan
The Federal Chief Information Officer (CIO) released an Information Technology (IT) operating plan last week to unite the “collective strengths” of technology focused federal offices.
Infrastructure Week Materializes as $1.2 trillion Bill Narrowly Passes the House
The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was narrowly passed by the House on November 5, 2021, after months of negotiation. In the end, thirteen Republicans voted for the bill and six Democrats voted against it.
CISA Releases Directive for Federal Agencies, DHS to Lead Known Cyber Vulnerabilities Purge Effort
On November 3, 2021, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a binding operational directive with a new strategy guiding civilian federal agencies' management of known exploited vulnerabilities. The catalog of vulnerabilities provides remediation deadlines as early as November 17, 2021.
CISA Releases New Training Guide for Cyber Professionals
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a guide on Friday to help current and prospective cyber professionals chart their careers. This guide comes out amid the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s announcement of the launch of the Cyber Talent Management System.
Senate Homeland Security Committee Advances Cybersecurity, Supply Chain Bills
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a business meeting last week to advance several legislative items collectively intended to bolster cybersecurity in the U.S. and promote supply chain modernization.
U.S. and World Powers Condemn China for Malicious Cyber Activities
The United States, along with world powers like the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), condemned China for its numerous cyberattacks, specifically the attack that compromised Microsoft Exchange servers earlier this year.
Lawmakers Aim to Improve Technology Security with Supply Chain Training
Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) have introduced legislation aimed at protecting against cyber threats and supply chain vulnerabilities through standardized training programs. The Supply Chain Security Training Act would create a standard training program for federal employees responsible for purchasing services and equipment.
The 3rd Biannual Great Power Competition Cybersecurity Conference
Join elite cybersecurity experts and policy leaders from the US military, federal government, academia, and private industry for an extensive examination of the United States’ role in cyberspace.
Russian Government Hackers Likely Behind Cyber Breach of U.S. Government Agencies
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an emergency directive on the evening of December 13, 2020 in response to a massive data breach due to a critical software vulnerability that impacted several federal agencies.
2021 NDAA Passes Congress with Enough Support for Veto Override
The U.S. Senate passed the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an all-encompassing piece of legislation that introduces provisions related to many agencies and federal employees, with an 84-13 majority. This margin means that even if President Trump vetoes the bill, as he has threatened, there is enough support in Congress to override the veto.
World-famous hacker offers his top cybersecurity tips
In a rapidly modernizing world, it is more important than ever to learn how to protect your personal data. Learn some key cybersecurity tips from an expert hacker.
NSA Cybersecurity Directorate Focuses on Moving Forward from COVID-19
The National Security Agency’s cybersecurity directorate is focusing on ways to protect medical research related to COVID-19 and assist critical infrastructure development that could help speed up the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In a webcast hosted by the Intelligence National Security Alliance and reported on by FCW, NSA Deputy Director George Barnes discussed how the directorate is pivoting to meet the nation’s needs to begin moving forward from the pandemic.
Sorting Through Cybersecurity Part 2: The Internal Agency Perspective
Tune in to FEDtalk this week for a discussion on Cybersecurity Awareness Month. A few weeks ago we heard from industry leaders about top cybersecurity concerns. This week, the individuals leading efforts to combat cyber threats in government will join us to discuss their work.
Sorting Through Cybersecurity Part 1: The Industry Perspective
As the federal government becomes increasingly digital, it also becomes increasingly at risk for cyberattacks. Experts in the cybersecurity community will discuss what these threats look like and how the federal workforce can prepare for them.