Author Archive

Mariam Baksh

Mariam Baksh
Mariam Baksh reports on the development of federal cybersecurity policy for Nextgov. She started covering technology governance in 2014, during the heat of the Net Neutrality debate, and focused her graduate studies at American University on investigative journalism.
Digital Government

Lax State Data Privacy Rules May Expose Consumer Location Information

With states now free to enforce their own data privacy laws, regulators are on the lookout for mobile carriers sharing users' sensitive location details.

Digital Government

'Crypto Driver's License' Could Deter Use of Digital Currency in Ransomware

Proposed legislation calls on federal agencies to harmonize national digital identity infrastructure by leveraging biometric databases states have been building to participate in REAL ID, a standard for accepting state-issued identification.

Digital Government

Cybersecurity Agency Points to Water Sector in Seeking $80M More for FEMA Grants

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and FEMA are rolling out the first of $1 billion the Homeland Security agencies got to help state and local entities improve cybersecurity.

Digital Government

FBI: Ransomware Attackers Have Code to Halt Critical Infrastructure

Monitoring remote access technology will be especially important for limiting the reach of malicious actors, allied cybersecurity agencies said in a report on trends they’ve observed over the last year in a booming ransomware industry.

Digital Government

Treasury Considers State and Local Grants to Implement Digital ID Systems

The effort to stimulate widespread use of digital identification is aligned with a White House order on cybersecurity and could help defend against ransomware attacks, officials said.

Infrastructure

White House Expands Effort to Secure Water Systems Against Cyberattacks

This is the third in a series of 100-day sprints to shore up industrial control systems used in critical infrastructure.

Digital Government

White House Holiday Warning Identifies Options for Reporting Ransomware

The FBI has a prominent portal for governments and entities to report cybersecurity incidents, but Congress is considering legislation that officials fear could change the dynamic.

Digital Government

Infrastructure Package Includes Major Investment In Cybersecurity

Among the $1 trillion in overall funding, the bill features a $100 million cyber response and recovery fund for critical infrastructure and other cyber benefits.

Digital Government

National Cyber Director: Liability Should Be Part of the Equation for Public-Private Collaboration

Cyber leaders’ plan to emphasize collective defense over offense hinges on industry’s willingness to share information with government in real time.

Digital Government

Report: Hackers Shift from Malware to Less Detectable Credential Hijacking

A cybersecurity firm tracked record levels of cyber intrusion activity over the past year, with attacks coming three times faster.

Management

Congressional Funding Sought to Implement Policy on Body-Worn Cameras

The announcement follows tensions with some local police departments over the authority to release footage recorded during joint operations.

Digital Government

White House Effort to Focus on Advancing Cybersecurity Talent

Commitments are also expected from the public and private sectors for improving the security of foundational technology.

Digital Government

White House Official Briefed State AGs on Private-Sector Role Battling Ransomware

The deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging tech emphasized the responsibility of the private sector at home as President Biden prepares to work the White House strategy abroad.

Management

CISA, FBI Share Recommendations After Water Treatment Hack

The agencies say updating to the latest operating system is important, even if it wasn’t a factor in this particular incident.

Infrastructure

Hack of Florida Water Treatment Plant Should Be a Wake-Up Call, Experts Say

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency should be involved every step of the way, a former presidential adviser said.

Digital Government

The Hack Roundup: Treasury Briefing Reignites Encryption Debate

Here are the news and updates about the suspected Russian hack you may have missed.

Digital Government

FBI, CISA, State Leaders Warn Schools About Ransomware Threats

The percentage of ransomware attacks perpetrated against schools more than doubled in 2020.

Digital Government

IoT Security Bill Nears Passage as New Consortium Tackles Open 5G

Government officials are thinking about how the use of drones as part of the network infrastructure will affect security.

Digital Government

New Bill Would Codify States’ Ability to Use Federally Funded National Guard for Cybersecurity

National Guard troops currently being activated to monitor cybersecurity in the upcoming elections are paid for by states.

Digital Government

FCC, USAID Partner to Advance U.S. 5G Security Policy

An agreement between the agencies aims to encourage the use of trusted networks and interoperable infrastructure.