US Hit in New Spying Hack
Suspected foreign hackers have breached nine organizations in the defense, energy, health care, technology, and education sectors — and at least one of those organizations is in the US. The nine confirmed organizations were called “the tip of the spear” by the security firm announcing the apparent spying campaign.
Defense Industry Wary of Buy American
Defense advocates note that foreign military sales fuel a $40.6 billion trade surplus for the sector and help Washington gain interoperability with allied militaries, and they warn those benefits could decline under Biden’s Buy American plans.
Hypersonic Weapons Worry Congress
Concerned with a gap in the military’s ability to detect low-flying hypersonic weapons, lawmakers want the Pentagon to deliver a progress report by the end of November on its efforts to use radar to detect the weapons that can travel in excess of five times the speed of sound, covering vast distances in minutes.
Pipelines Face Cyber Reporting Mandate
The Dept. of Homeland Security looks to change the government’s current system of voluntary cyberattack reporting from private businesses for pipeline companies, requiring them to report cyberattacks to the federal government following a ransomware attack that paralyzed operations at one of America’s most important pipelines.
Russia Tests US in Arctic, Eastern Europe
Russia is increasing its military presence in the Arctic region and testing new weapons there as well, as upping its saber rattling in Eastern Europe. In the past two weeks, Moscow has moved to test the Biden administration and its allies. US Air Force GEN Glen VanHerck says it’s an attempt by Russia “to reassert on a global stage their influence and their capabilities.”
Defense Bill Includes Submarine Launched Nuclear Weapon
The Senate and House agreed on a $716 billion defense authorization bill which includes $65 million to develop a controversial new submarine-launched nuclear weapon, the Trident II D5 with a W76-2, aimed at deterring Russia.
New Roles on Horizon for F-35
The US Air Force might deploy the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to the Baltics for an air-policing role once the new stealth aircraft becomes operational later this year. The new fighter is to enter service with the Air Force with an interim software capability that offers limited combat capability.
F-35 May Not Be Suitable for Combat Before 2022
An oversight group finds the F-35 may not be suitable for combat before 2022, reports DoDbuzz.com.
Morning Coffee: Energy is US Cyber’s Weak Link
Nuclear-safety regs after Three Mile Island incentivized compliance, government should use the same method for cyber-security compliance of all energy distributors, says study.
