Author Archive
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
A key cybersecurity system is getting a closer look from Congress
A proposal to formalize the vulnerability tracking program could strengthen its foundation, but officials warn against rules that could limit its ability to adapt.
- David DiMolfetta
Tech
House probe finds gaps in U.S. effort to remove Chinese telecom risks
The findings highlight the challenges agencies face in addressing national security risks embedded in complex private networks.
- David DiMolfetta
Exclusive
Management
OPM breach victims could get identity protection for life
The federal government’s coverage for 22.1 million people hoovered up in the China-linked breaches is scheduled to end Sept. 30.
- David DiMolfetta
Management
Senate confirms Clayton as Trump’s next intelligence director
The former SEC chairman will replace acting intelligence chief Bill Pulte, whose brief tenure oversaw repeated personnel cuts to the nation’s top spy office.
- David DiMolfetta
Management
Pulte announces 30% ODNI staff reduction hours before Clayton vote
The acting intelligence chief said a fifth and “near final” round of terminations was underway Tuesday but did not disclose how many employees were affected.
- David DiMolfetta
Tech
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.
- David DiMolfetta
Management
Secret Service is examining apparent Iranian video outlining Trump motorcade routes, assassination opportunities
The agency said it is looking into the Persian-language video, which uses polished, apparently AI-generated graphics to depict supposed motorcade routes in Florida and New York.
- David DiMolfetta
Management
Trump stretches declassified China intelligence into broader 2020 election claims
The records provide new details about Chinese intelligence collection on voters and internal analytic debates, but do not undercut longstanding findings on the 2020 election.
- David DiMolfetta
Management
Trump’s intelligence pick pressed on 2020 election, defends handling of New York Times subpoenas
Jay Clayton faced Democratic criticism after repeatedly declining to say Joe Biden won in 2020 and standing by subpoenas issued by his Manhattan prosecutor’s office to four New York Times journalists.
- David DiMolfetta
Exclusive
Tech
DHS network intrusion was twice ruled a false positive before breach confirmed
Suspicious activity on the Homeland Security Information Network, which is being used to support World Cup games around the U.S., was first detected around mid-to-late May.
- David DiMolfetta
Management
Trump empties out election commission leadership just months before midterms
Career staff can continue day-to-day operations, but the leadership gap could affect decisions on voting technology, standards and federal election programs.
- David DiMolfetta
Tech
HUD's tech chief appears headed for Interior
The expected pick would replace the agency's recently departed technology chief and continue a string of leadership changes.
- Edward Graham and David DiMolfetta
Tech
House Homeland committee seeks briefing on DHS network hack
Cyber intruders accessed the unclassified network being used to help support World Cup games around the U.S., a senator said last week.
- David DiMolfetta
Breaking News
Tech
Greg Barbaccia to leave federal CIO role at end of August
“Greg has done an excellent job as Federal CIO and Chief AI Officer,” an OMB spokesperson told Nextgov/FCW. “He will certainly be missed when his time here comes to an end.”
- David DiMolfetta
Tech
Trump says Pulte can declassify ‘whatever’ he wants, sparking fears of exposing intelligence secrets
“If he doesn’t care about blowing up cyber exploits, putting foreign relationships at risk, or getting people killed, he could declassify a lot,” one former official said.
- David DiMolfetta
Exclusive
Tech
Hackers breached DHS information-sharing network, people familiar say
The Homeland Security Information Network is used by government, international and private sector partners to share sensitive but unclassified information.
- David DiMolfetta
Tech
CIA will take ‘smart risks’ and ‘course correct’ as it adopts AI, director says
“We simply can’t afford to wait for a risk-free approach to emerging tech. It doesn’t exist. We have to move fast. We have to be aggressive,” CIA Director John Ratcliffe said.
- David DiMolfetta
Management
Lawmaker warns of administration’s ‘fetishization’ of Silicon Valley startups
Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., discussed his plans to scrutinize Trump-era contracting practices, revive federal IT oversight and push for AI policy.
- Alexandra Kelley, Ross Wilkers, Edward Graham and David DiMolfetta
Tech
Secret Service phone security lapses put US officials at risk, watchdog says
The DHS inspector general found that agents routinely used personal phones for official work, including during protective operations, because government-issued devices lacked key capabilities.
- David DiMolfetta
Management
Director of National Intelligence office cuts reach key coordination function
A senior official was placed on leave as detailed intelligence personnel were believed to have been returned to their home agencies, part of a broader effort to shrink the ODNI.
- David DiMolfetta