Author Archive

David DiMolfetta

David DiMolfetta

Cybersecurity Reporter, Nextgov/FCW

David DiMolfetta covers cybersecurity for Nextgov/FCW. Previously, he researched The Cybersecurity 202 and The Technology 202 newsletters at The Washington Post and covered AI, cybersecurity and technology policy for S&P Global Market Intelligence. He holds a BBA from The George Washington University and an MS from Georgetown University. Get in touch with him on X/Twitter: @ddimolfetta . If you have a tip you'd like to share, David can be securely contacted at djd.99 on Signal.
David DiMolfetta covers cybersecurity for Nextgov/FCW. Previously, he researched The Cybersecurity 202 and The Technology 202 newsletters at The Washington Post and covered AI, cybersecurity and technology policy for S&P Global Market Intelligence. He holds a BBA from The George Washington University and an MS from Georgetown University. Get in touch with him on X/Twitter: @ddimolfetta . If you have a tip you'd like to share, David can be securely contacted at djd.99 on Signal.
Tech

White House weighs reining in contractors’ control over how agencies use AI

Draft policy language under review would assert the government’s authority to decide how tech it buys gets used, as officials debate guardrails and vendor influence.

Management

10 years after OPM data breach, identity protection benefits for affected feds start to expire

A federal identity monitoring program created after the hack is ending, affecting employees whose information was exposed and raising questions about long-term responsibility once protections expire.

Exclusive Management

IBM security executive emerges as possible contender for federal cyber agency leadership post

Tom Parker doesn’t have prior government experience, characteristics the Trump administration may be seeking in its next pick to lead CISA, a person familiar said.

Tech

White House is drafting plans to permit federal Anthropic use

The move suggests the Trump administration is easing its stance on the AI company, which faced a Pentagon supply chain risk designation and phaseout directive.

Workforce

CyberCorps summer internships canceled by cybersecurity agency amid DHS funding lapse

The decision reverses earlier plans to bring on roughly 100 student interns through the federal cyber scholarship program, leaving participants in limbo after months of shifting guidance and adding new uncertainty around job placement requirements tied to the award.

Management

DHS plans major intel shake-up, but its intelligence office would still be overseen by the nation’s spy chief

A proposed FY27 overhaul would still leave DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis answerable to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, despite questions about its oversight.

Tech

CIA employees will get AI 'coworkers'—and eventually run teams of AI agents, deputy says

Deputy Director Michael Ellis said the spy agency recently used AI to generate an intelligence report for the first time.

Management

Scammers posing as federal officials drive complaints up and rack up $800 million in losses

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.

Tech

Cuts hit CISA, NIST and IRS in Trump’s FY27 budget

The proposal shifts funding away from cybersecurity, standards and tax enforcement while boosting AI, quantum research and VA modernization.

Management

DHS to fold intelligence office into headquarters under Trump's 2027 budget plan

The plan to restructure the Office of Intelligence and Analysis would require congressional approval and could reshape oversight of domestic intelligence-sharing.

Tech

Old-school spycraft could make a comeback as AI undermines trust

An article in the CIA’s Studies in Intelligence journal argues that artificial intelligence may erode confidence in certain electronic communications and further revive centuries-old human intelligence techniques.

Management

Lawmakers seek watchdog probe into former acting CISA chief’s polygraph failures

A letter penned by House Democrats indicates CISA’s former acting director failed a second polygraph examination during his tenure.

Defense

Fake DOD memo about ‘compromised’ apps shows swift spread of deceptive messaging

The message, widely circulated as the U.S. bombed Iran, shows how quickly unverified information can reach troops.

Defense

Strikes on Iran will test US cyber strategy abroad, and defenses at home

The federal government’s cyber defense agency is short-staffed, and Tehran is known for its retaliatory cyberattacks.

Management

Wyden to block confirmation for NSA director, citing lack of experience

The senator, in part, took issue with Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd’s responses to questions regarding civil liberties and oversight against unlawful surveillance.

Management

Top NSC cyber official returns to academia

For the last year, JD Work was a high-ranking official working on cyber policy within the White House National Security Council.

Management

FBI gathered intelligence on reporters, religious orgs using ‘assessment’ authority, watchdog report says

The bureau also undercounts analysts’ non-compliance with assessment policies because it relies on self-reporting and infrequent audits, the sensitive GAO review adds.

Workforce

CISA’s acting chief says 70 staff were reassigned to other DHS offices in last year

The cyberdefense agency in turn received some 30 employees from other DHS components, while a “handful” of CISA staffers were transferred to ICE, Madhu Gottumukkala told lawmakers.

Oversight

Gabbard’s office denies wrongdoing amid scrutiny over whistleblower complaint

ODNI said she acted within her authority in response to reports describing an NSA-intercepted phone call tied to the case.