US making progress on cyber defense, but up against some ‘significant hurdles’: Commission report

US making progress on cyber defense, but up against some ‘significant hurdles’: Commission report
US making progress on cyber defense, but up against some ‘significant hurdles’: Commission report

In discussing the new Cyberspace Solarium Commission 2.0 report, Sen. Angus King speculated some cyber deterrence against Russia is already paying off, with Putin “afraid” of the NSA.

CYBERCOM increasing intel collection in light of Russia-Ukraine conflict

CYBERCOM increasing intel collection in light of Russia-Ukraine conflict
CYBERCOM increasing intel collection in light of Russia-Ukraine conflict

“What we’re finding, though, in recent times is that ransomware is a national security imperative as well,” Maj. Gen. Kevin Kennedy, director of operations for US Cyber Command, said.

Allied cyber authorities warn ‘evolving intelligence’ points to incoming Russian cyber attacks

Allied cyber authorities warn ‘evolving intelligence’ points to incoming Russian cyber attacks
Allied cyber authorities warn ‘evolving intelligence’ points to incoming Russian cyber attacks

Cyber authorities “urge critical infrastructure network defenders to prepare for and mitigate potential cyber threats — including destructive malware, ransomware, DDoS attacks, and cyber espionage — by hardening their cyber defenses and performing due diligence in identifying indicators of malicious activity,” the advisory states. 

Pentagon wants $11.2B for cyberspace security, training in FY23

Pentagon wants $11.2B for cyberspace security, training in FY23
Pentagon wants $11.2B for cyberspace security, training in FY23

The request is $800 million more than what the Pentagon wanted last year and includes investments in zero trust architecture and support to the Defense Industrial Base.

Biden tells private sector to ‘lock their digital doors’ before Russia gets in

Biden tells private sector to ‘lock their digital doors’ before Russia gets in
Biden tells private sector to ‘lock their digital doors’ before Russia gets in

“We need everyone to do their part to meet one of the defining threats of our time,” President Joe Biden said in a statement urging US companies to take action to protect against potential future Russian cyber attacks.

Russian hackers raided defense contractors for two years, stole sensitive info: US

Russian hackers raided defense contractors for two years, stole sensitive info: US
Russian hackers raided defense contractors for two years, stole sensitive info: US

“Given the sensitivity of information widely available on unclassified [cleared contractor] networks, the FBI, NSA, and CISA anticipate that Russian state-sponsored cyber actors will continue to target CDCs for U.S. defense information in the near future.”

‘The game has changed’: VMware exec says defense industry faces destructive cyberattacks, belligerent foes

‘The game has changed’: VMware exec says defense industry faces destructive cyberattacks, belligerent foes
‘The game has changed’: VMware exec says defense industry faces destructive cyberattacks, belligerent foes

VMware’s Tom Kellermann linked increasingly aggressive attacks to geopolitical tensions with Russia and Belarus.

Former CISA head warns of rivals’ ‘destructive’ cyber capabilities

Former CISA head warns of rivals’ ‘destructive’ cyber capabilities
Former CISA head warns of rivals’ ‘destructive’ cyber capabilities

“There’s one line [in the notice] that should scare the hell out of everyone everywhere,” Chris Krebs said.

USG Warns Of ‘Critical’ Vulnerability That Poses ‘Serious Risk’ To Defense Contractors, Others

USG Warns Of ‘Critical’ Vulnerability That Poses ‘Serious Risk’ To Defense Contractors, Others
USG Warns Of ‘Critical’ Vulnerability That Poses ‘Serious Risk’ To Defense Contractors, Others

“The FBI, CISA, and CGCYBER assess that advanced persistent threat cyber actors are likely among those exploiting the vulnerability,” the joint advisory notes.

HASC Budget Markup Creates Cyber Info Sharing Capabilities, DISA Cyber Procurement Office

HASC Budget Markup Creates Cyber Info Sharing Capabilities, DISA Cyber Procurement Office
HASC Budget Markup Creates Cyber Info Sharing Capabilities, DISA Cyber Procurement Office

Notably, the committee chair’s markup calls for private sector engagement in developing new cyber threat sharing capabilities.

NSA Releases Security Guidance For DoD, Contractors On Public Networks

NSA Releases Security Guidance For DoD, Contractors On Public Networks
NSA Releases Security Guidance For DoD, Contractors On Public Networks

“The risk is not merely theoretical; these malicious techniques are publicly known and in use,” NSA notes.

Biden Issues National Security Memorandum On Critical Infrastructure

Biden Issues National Security Memorandum On Critical Infrastructure
Biden Issues National Security Memorandum On Critical Infrastructure

“I think it’s more than likely we’re going to end up, if we end up in a war – a real shooting war with a major power – it’s going to be as a consequence of a cyber breach of great consequence, and it’s increasing exponentially,” President Biden said.

Senators Introduce Bill Requiring Notification Of Cyber Incidents Within 24 Hours

Senators Introduce Bill Requiring Notification Of Cyber Incidents Within 24 Hours
Senators Introduce Bill Requiring Notification Of Cyber Incidents Within 24 Hours

“We shouldn’t be relying on voluntary reporting to protect our critical infrastructure,” Sen. Warner said.

US, Allies, Partners Formally Attribute Exchange Hacks To China

US, Allies, Partners Formally Attribute Exchange Hacks To China
US, Allies, Partners Formally Attribute Exchange Hacks To China

“The PRC’s pattern of irresponsible behavior in cyberspace is inconsistent with its stated objective of being seen as a responsible leader in the world,” a senior administration official said on Sunday night.