Defense Department Mandates Secure Phones and AI Cybersecurity Training in New Bill
The U.S. Defense Department is set to implement new cybersecurity measures as part of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This comprehensive legislation, agreed upon by House and Senate negotiators, includes provisions for secure mobile phones for senior leaders and enhanced cybersecurity training that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) challenges. The bill mandates that the Defense Secretary ensures mobile phones used by senior leaders and personnel on sensitive missions meet stringent cybersecurity requirements, such as data encryption. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for cybersecurity training for Armed Forces members and civilian employees, focusing on AI-related challenges. The legislation also addresses mental health services for cyber troops, ensuring behavioral health specialists with security clearances are available to the U.S. Cyber Command and Cyber Mission Force. 
