Author Archive
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh and Heather Kuldell
Digital Government
FBI, CISA, State Leaders Warn Schools About Ransomware Threats
The percentage of ransomware attacks perpetrated against schools more than doubled in 2020.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh
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.
- By Mariam Baksh