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David DiMolfetta
People
Voting machine researchers say federal work abruptly ended after Trump ally pushed back on their findings
Mojave Research executives said at DEF CON that the government had been preparing to expand the company’s election security work, and linked Trump adviser Kurt Olsen to pressure they faced after finding election system vulnerabilities but no evidence votes were altered.
Cybersecurity
New ‘Water Watch Center’ launched to help small utilities stop cyberattacks
The initiative comes as multiple states grapple with intrusions into their water systems that some officials suspect could be tied to Iran.
Cybersecurity
Chinese telecom firms kept footholds in US networks despite federal crackdowns, House probe finds
China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom retained equipment, data center space and network ties after FCC restrictions, including a China Mobile-linked network that appeared in routes to Salt Typhoon servers.
Cybersecurity
CISA urges water utilities to take exposed systems down after Minnesota hacks
A memo distributed to water industry members and obtained by Nextgov/FCW makes mention of Iran but does not directly present evidence attributing the latest Minnesota incident to the country.
Cybersecurity
FCC blocks approval of new foreign-made robots, power inverters
National security agencies said the devices could create supply-chain vulnerabilities, threaten critical infrastructure and enable surveillance or remote manipulation.
Cybersecurity
Russian hackers can steal government emails without victims clicking a link, cyber agencies warn
The Russia-linked Laundry Bear group has compromised more than 10 Western organizations through malicious emails that can trigger an exploit when they are viewed or previewed.
Artificial Intelligence
AI, once relegated to helping hackers with certain tasks, can now power every stage of a cyberattack
Researchers determined that AI was used in steps across entire cyber operations to identify security flaws, generate commands and carry out parts of intrusions, sometimes with little human oversight. Both U.S. and Chinese AI models have been involved.
People
Trump empties out election commission leadership just months before midterms
The shake-up raises questions about voting system certification, federal election security coordination, and the commission’s ability to approve key policy decisions.
Cybersecurity
US officials see Iran cyber threat persisting despite preliminary deal
Officials’ views reflect a recurring concern that cyber operations would continue regardless of conflict status, even as the Trump administration pursues a diplomatic off-ramp with Tehran.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker proposes overhaul of critical infrastructure cyber plans as AI threats rise
The measure would require CISA to refresh long-outdated sector cybersecurity plans as lawmakers warn that advanced AI tools could accelerate the discovery and exploitation of software flaws.
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker unveils bill to restore cyber information-sharing program funding
Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee also sent letters to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and to every governor urging them to support state and local cyber defense.
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Cybersecurity
Hackers are already laying groundwork to disrupt the 2026 midterms, research says
The report from cybersecurity firm Check Point lands as the Trump administration pushes new voting rules and intelligence officials face questions about how they are handling foreign election threats.
People
Feds assign two officials to lead intelligence coordination on election threats
For months, it was unclear if ODNI ever named an election threats executive responsible for leading election security efforts in the 2026 midterm cycle.
Artificial Intelligence
Canvas breach spotlights cybercriminal appetite for student data
Cyberattacks on widely used third-party services like Canvas can expose sensitive data that hackers can later weaponize. Higher education institutions are often a prime target.
Cybersecurity
Senator warns CISA election security pullback could leave midterms vulnerable
Mark Warner, the Senate Intelligence Committee’s top Democrat, pressed DHS over reports that states are no longer receiving the same cybersecurity and protection support ahead of the 2026 elections.
Cybersecurity
CISA unveils CI Fortify to help secure critical infrastructure during conflicts
For years, U.S. officials have assessed that China is infiltrating non-military critical infrastructure to enable sabotage during a major conflict involving Taiwan.
Artificial Intelligence
Government official impersonation scam complaints doubled in 2025, FBI report shows
The scams, some of which were fueled by AI, can be especially effective because they exploit the built-in authority and urgency people associate with institutions.
Digital Government
Trump signs executive order setting rules for mail-in voting and eligibility lists
The president has long disputed the mail-in voting process since his 2020 election run. The order is very likely to face legal challenges.
Cybersecurity
Stryker hack could set stage for more pro-Iran cyber sabotage
Attacks like the one on the Michigan-based medical tech company could indicate that bad actors are expanding their targets to these shores.
Cybersecurity
CISA opens 100 applications for CyberCorps students
Earlier hiring snags had forced the scholarship program to pause recruitment of top student talent for cyber jobs.
