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Congress Considers Designating Data Centers as Critical Infrastructure Amid Security Concerns

Congress Considers Designating Data Centers as Critical Infrastructure Amid Security Concerns

The U.S. Congress is evaluating whether data centers should be designated as a standalone critical infrastructure sector due to increasing security threats. During a recent hearing by the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, lawmakers and industry experts discussed the vulnerabilities of data centers to cyber and physical attacks. The discussion comes in the wake of incidents such as Iranian drone attacks on Amazon data centers, highlighting the potential for significant disruptions. Currently, three major providers—Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform—dominate the market, accounting for 63% of the share. The hearing underscored the need for a unified federal approach to data center security, as the current framework lacks clarity on agency responsibilities. Industry representatives suggested forming a unique coordinating council for data centers, similar to the UK's approach, which already recognizes them as critical infrastructure...
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Congress Considers Designating Data Centers as Critical Infrastructure Amid Cyber Threats

Congress Considers Designating Data Centers as Critical Infrastructure Amid Cyber Threats

The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection is evaluating whether data centers should be designated as a standalone critical infrastructure sector. This discussion arises as data centers face increasing threats, including recent drone attacks on Amazon facilities by Iranian forces. The rapid growth of data centers, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, has prompted concerns about their security. Currently, three major providers—Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform—dominate the market. Lawmakers and industry experts are debating the federal government's role in securing these facilities, with some suggesting a unique coordinating council for data centers. The United Kingdom has already recognized data centers as critical infrastructure, and similar measures are being considered in the U.S.
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CISA Urges Critical Infrastructure Operators to Implement Zero Trust in OT Networks

CISA Urges Critical Infrastructure Operators to Implement Zero Trust in OT Networks

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a directive to operators of operational technology (OT) networks, urging them to adopt zero trust principles. This guidance is aimed at enhancing the security of critical infrastructure sectors such as power, water, transportation, building automation, and weapons-support systems. CISA, in collaboration with the Department of War, the Department of Energy, the FBI, and the Department of State, has released a 28-page document titled 'Adapting Zero Trust Principles to Operational Technology.' The document advises OT operators to assume that adversaries may already be present within their networks. It emphasizes the need for validating every access request based on identity, context, and risk, rather than relying on network location. This approach is intended to mitigate potential threats and enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure systems.
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Cyberattacks on Medical Devices Threaten U.S. Healthcare Systems

Cyberattacks on Medical Devices Threaten U.S. Healthcare Systems

Recent reports indicate that cyberattacks targeting medical devices have significantly impacted healthcare organizations in the U.S., UK, and Germany. According to a RunSafe Security report, 24% of these organizations experienced such attacks over the past year, with 80% of incidents causing moderate to significant damage to patient care. The healthcare sector's increasing reliance on artificial intelligence has heightened concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Despite investments in cybersecurity measures, outdated and unsupported medical devices remain a critical risk. Notable manufacturers affected include Medtronic, allegedly extorted by the ShinyHunters group, and Stryker, targeted by the Iran-backed Handala group. These incidents highlight the potential for cyberattacks to disrupt care delivery and revenue flows, posing direct threats to patient safety.
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Exposed VNC Servers Pose Security Risks to U.S. Industrial Control Systems

Exposed VNC Servers Pose Security Risks to U.S. Industrial Control Systems

Recent research by Forescout has revealed that millions of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Virtual Network Computing (VNC) servers are exposed to the internet, with hundreds potentially providing access to industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT). These servers, primarily located in China and the United States, are often used for remote access but should not be directly exposed without secure gateways. The study found that a significant number of these servers are linked to industries such as retail, education, services, manufacturing, and healthcare. Alarmingly, many of these servers run outdated Windows versions vulnerable to the BlueKeep exploit, and nearly 60,000 VNC servers lack authentication. This situation poses a substantial risk as attackers could gain access to cyber-physical systems (CPS), with Russia-linked hackers previously targeting OT systems via VNC.
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Data Center Expansion in Mountain West Faces Local Pushback Over Environmental Concerns

Data Center Expansion in Mountain West Faces Local Pushback Over Environmental Concerns

Data Center Expansion in Mountain West Faces Local Pushback Over Environmental Concerns
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USA Shipbuilding Coalition Launches Campaign to Revitalize Industry

USA Shipbuilding Coalition Launches Campaign to Revitalize Industry

USA Shipbuilding Coalition Launches Campaign to Revitalize Industry
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Hyperscaler results pose major test for AI-driven US stock market

Hyperscaler results pose major test for AI-driven US stock market

By Lewis Krauskopf NEW YORK, April 29 (Reuters) - A pivotal moment for the artificial intelligence trade driving the U.S. stock market to all-time highs arrives on Wednesday with quarterly reports from four massive companies at the heart of the investment boom behind the new technology.
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Tamarac's CIO James Twigger Leads Innovative AI and IT Initiatives for City Services

Tamarac's CIO James Twigger Leads Innovative AI and IT Initiatives for City Services

James Twigger, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Tamarac, Florida, is spearheading a range of innovative technology projects aimed at enhancing city services through the use of artificial intelligence and cloud solutions. Despite the city's relatively small size of about 74,000 residents and a modest 14-person IT staff, Twigger has successfully implemented several advanced technological initiatives. These include an omnichannel call center using Amazon Connect, an immersive virtual tour platform, and cybersecurity penetration testing. Twigger, who began his career with the city as a systems and network manager 20 years ago, has leveraged Tamarac's small size to its advantage, allowing for greater agility and adaptability in adopting new technologies. His leadership has also enabled the city to offer IT services to neighboring areas, such as a lobbyist registration system that has been shared and sold to other cities.
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Congresswoman Luna Promises Disclosure of Nonhuman Origin Materials Amid UAP Transparency Push

Congresswoman Luna Promises Disclosure of Nonhuman Origin Materials Amid UAP Transparency Push

Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, has announced plans to hold a press conference to reveal materials or information of 'nonhuman origin.' This announcement comes as the Pentagon faces criticism for delays in releasing footage of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) recorded by U.S. military personnel. Luna, who chairs the House Oversight Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, has been a vocal advocate for transparency regarding unexplained aerial encounters. The Pentagon has cited classification and national security concerns for the delays, but Luna and other lawmakers argue that these unexplained activities near U.S. military assets raise significant oversight and security questions. The Department of War's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is working to consolidate and release UAP records, with the White House supporting these efforts.
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U.S. lawmakers take on AI chatbots, fraud in new bills

U.S. lawmakers take on AI chatbots, fraud in new bills

By Jody Godoy April 28 (Reuters) - Members of Congress from both major U.S. political parties joined to propose new legislation this week related to artificial intelligence, as they aimed to tackle safety concerns without blocking innovation.
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US Congress Republicans push legislation to build, fund Trump's $400 million ballroom

US Congress Republicans push legislation to build, fund Trump's $400 million ballroom

By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON, April 27 (Reuters) - Two days after a shooting at a dinner that President Donald Trump was attending, Republicans in the U.S. Congress were pushing for legislation to fund and speed construction of a White House ballroom, citing increased security concerns.