David DiMolfetta

@ddimolfetta.bsky.social

Nextgov/FCW cybersecurity + intelligence reporter. Tips: ddimolfetta@govexec.com Signal: @ djd.99 X/Twitter: @ddimolfetta

Scoop: Forthcoming GAO audit of a key DHS information-sharing network will examine three known security incidents, including an intrusion by outside hackers that Nextgov/FCW first reported this summer, according to two sources. www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...

Watchdog to examine summertime hack of DHS information network, other incidents

The Government Accountability Office is expected to flag that DHS delayed in notifying Congress of the incidents, according to a person familiar with the review.

nextgov.com

Election officials said Wednesday that renewed federal cybersecurity assistance comes too late for some of their midterm preparations, following cuts they say disrupted support from CISA, though they are not closing the door on federal help.  www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...

Renewed CISA support comes too late for midterm prep, some election officials say

Arizona still plans to accept federal help on Election Day, while officials warn that staffing cuts have weakened relationships and left smaller jurisdictions with fewer resources.

nextgov.com

A passenger jet flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv signaled it was in distress on Wednesday and abruptly reversed course near the Saudi-Jordanian border. Officials of three Israeli government agencies said it appeared that the pilot and co-pilot of the FlyDubai flight had gotten into a scuffle.

FlyDubai Flight to Tel Aviv Issues Distress Signal Before Landing in Saudi Arabia

The plane was traveling from Dubai to Israel when the pilot and co-pilot appear to have gotten into a fight, Israeli officials said.

nyti.ms

Six federal agencies failed to provide records needed to determine whether DOGE personnel appropriately accessed and protected government systems, leaving Congress and the public without assurances that sensitive information was secured, GAO said Tuesday. www.nextgov.com/policy/2026/...

Agencies withheld records needed to verify DOGE data safeguards, GAO says

A review of six agencies could not establish the full extent of DOGE’s system access or whether security rules were followed. Two agencies challenged the watchdog’s authority to investigate.

nextgov.com

In a lengthy email sent to me, ShinyHunters now claims it never intended to publish the FBI data it says it stole, calling the episode a “marketing campaign.” The group previously gave the FBI one week to change or remove an advisory about it. I’ve asked FBI for comment.

Bild

New: The House Intelligence Committee’s top Democrat warned that intelligence contractors may face scrutiny over donations to Trump’s White House ballroom project, including whether contributions were connected to contracts or access to senior officials. www.nextgov.com/acquisition/...

Lawmaker warns intelligence contractors' Trump ballroom donations may be scrutinized

Rep. Jim Himes, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, wants to examine whether contributions were tied to federal contracts or access to administration officials.

nextgov.com

New: AI security testing tools developed by Google-owned Wiz uncovered weaknesses that exposed a public rail operator’s administrative systems and gave outsiders a way to control a public hospital’s mobile alert channel, the company said Thursday. www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...

AI scanning tools found security gaps at rail operator and hospitals, Wiz says

Researchers discovered access to rail administration systems, a hospital alert channel and sensitive records in a new effort aimed at organizations with limited cyber resources.

nextgov.com

Data stolen in hacking group’s alleged intrusion into FBI is believed to contain personal info on hundreds of intel analysts and others involved in clandestine activities, according to two people familiar with the matter. Matching Reuters + 404 Media -> www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...

Stolen FBI data reveals employees’ roles in intelligence and surveillance

Exposed analysts work on areas including China, Russia and electronic surveillance. ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for the breach this week. The FBI said it’s investigating.

nextgov.com

Update: ShinyHunters sent us a text file appearing to contain sensitive personal info on ~5k FBI employees, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and other info. We queried some of the listed peoples’ names online and found that they are employed with the FBI.

David DiMolfetta@ddimolfetta.bsky.social · 3w ago

The language ShinyHunters wants removed appears in a May 15 FBI public service announcement issued after an attack disrupted an online learning management system used by educational institutions. www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...

In IST’s first-of-its-kind survey of current and former national security officials, respondents said the likelihood of an AI catastrophe has already reached or exceeded acceptable risk levels. For NextGov, @ddimolfetta.bsky.social unpacks key takeaways from the survey. 🛡️ Read more:

Dozens of current, former officials see at least a 10% chance humans lose control of AI

Nearly half of respondents in the survey released Wednesday serve or have served in the Defense Department, an agency locked in fierce discourse over military use of AI systems.

nextgov.com

Newly declassified CIA records detail how analysts viewed emerging technology threats before 9/11, from fears that terrorists could exploit Y2K computer glitches to assessments that extremist websites were helping recruit fighters. Our coverage here: www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...

CIA feared terrorists could exploit Y2K glitches, declassified briefs show

Records released for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 also describe intelligence assessments of extremist websites helping recruit fighters and spread chemical and biological weapons information.

nextgov.com

~250 prospective CISA employees have received tentative job offers and are awaiting clearance to start work, the latest update on the agency’s efforts to up staffing after its workforce was reduced over the last year. www.nextgov.com/people/2026/...

CISA has roughly 250 prospective hires awaiting clearance, agency chief says

Acting Director Nick Andersen says the agency is prioritizing operational teams and regional staff as it works to rebuild its workforce after reductions last year.

nextgov.com

The FBI is seeking more frequent operations against hackers and a larger role for private companies under a new cyber strategy released today, with the bureau’s cyber chief saying teams are aiming to act more quickly to disrupt attacks and warn victims. www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...

New FBI cyber strategy seeks faster action against hackers, larger industry role

The bureau wants more frequent disruption operations and quicker warnings to victims as the Justice Department works through rules for expanded private sector participation in hacking cybercrime group...

nextgov.com