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CISA Issues Directive on Using Cybersecurity Tools to Detect Microsoft Exchange Server Risks
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CISA Issues Directive on Using Cybersecurity Tools to Detect Microsoft Exchange Server Risks

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a supplemental direction to help agencies use new tools for identifying vulnerabilities in their Microsoft Exchange Servers.

CISA said Wednesday that the emergency directive recommends agencies to use the Microsoft Safety Scanner or Microsoft Support Emergency Response Tool (MSERT) as well as the Test-ProxyLogon.ps1 script.

The tools are meant to support server hardening and forensic triage operations for the Microsoft-built servers that still handle network operations for federal agencies.

“Given the powerful privileges that Exchange manages by default and the amount of potentially sensitive information that is stored in Exchange servers operated and hosted by (or on behalf of) federal agencies, Exchange servers are a primary target for adversary activity,” CISA noted in the directive.

Best practices that CISA outlined include firewall protections, software updates, anti-malware protection and Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program validation.

Defense Cybersecurity Forum

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Former CISA Executive Nabeela Barbari Joins National Security Council
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Former CISA Executive Nabeela Barbari Joins National Security Council

Nabeela Barbari, formerly an executive with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), now leads integrated risk management, national security policy and critical infrastructure security in her new role with the National Security Council (NSC).  

Barbari oversees these aspects as NSC's director of resilience and response at the White House, under the executive office of the president. She received appointment to the role in Feb. 2021, after serving with the Department of Homeland Security for 12 years.

Previously, Barbari held multiple roles with DHS' National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD), CISA's predecessor agency.

The DHS vet also formerly served as a senior analyst with Technology Management Services, now part of IBM. She took part in projects supporting DHS.

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DOE Scientists Talk Research Needs for AI Algorithm Security, Trustworthiness; Fred Streitz, Irene Qualters Quoted
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DOE Scientists Talk Research Needs for AI Algorithm Security, Trustworthiness; Fred Streitz, Irene Qualters Quoted

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico is launching efforts to fortify artificial intelligence algorithms to prevent system threats and improve AI awareness and understanding, Federal News Network reported Wednesday.

Irene Qualters, associate lab director for simulation and computation at LANL, told attendees at a National Defense Industrial Association event that the lab is also assessing AI applications for research into natural disasters and climate.

Fred Streitz, chief AI scientist at DOE’s AI and Technology Office, noted that the U.S. must work to drive AI deployment in “mission-critical areas where there are real-world consequences”. He added that trustworthiness also serves as a key component to AI and there is active research being done on that focus area.

DOE relies on its partnerships with other science agencies and industry entities to support AI research despite having a large workforce of engineers and scientists, according to Streitz.

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DOE Announces $110M for Small Business-led Clean Energy, Climate Projects; Jennifer Granholm Quoted
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DOE Announces $110M for Small Business-led Clean Energy, Climate Projects; Jennifer Granholm Quoted

The Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded a total of $110 million in new funds to 102 small businesses-led projects on clean energy and climate.

DOE said Wednesday that it issued these awards under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. Topics covered include sustainable batteries, energy-efficient nuclear reactors and methane detection.

HiFunda, one of the awardees, will work with Idaho National Laboratory and the University of Utah to create and test what would enable salt-cooled nuclear reactors. The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy and DOE’s Office of Science fund the selected projects.

“This funding will give awardees a much-needed boost as they channel their entrepreneurial spirit into tackling the climate crisis, deploying creative clean energy technologies and answering the biggest questions we have about the universe," said Jennifer Granholm, secretary of Energy.

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DHS to Hold Sprints on Driving Cybersecurity Response; Alejandro Mayorkas Quoted
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DHS to Hold Sprints on Driving Cybersecurity Response; Alejandro Mayorkas Quoted

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is launching a cybersecurity sprint event in support of the Biden administration's efforts to drive cyber response, Federal News Network reported Wednesday.

DHS will hold a series of exercises focused on topic areas such as ransomware, industrial control systems, workforce, election security, transportation security and international-focused efforts.

Alejandro Mayorkas, the DHS secretary and a 2021 Wash100 Award recipient, said at the recently held RSA Conference that the 60-day cyber sprint comes as part of efforts under an upcoming executive order.

DHS is also working with industry partners on grant programs and awareness campaigns to ensure the private sector’s understanding of CISA operations and tools, according to Mayorkas.

The department is additionally launching cybersecurity efforts related to quantum computing and is collaborating with the Girl Scouts to promote cyber education.

“We must model what effective partnerships look like, we must ensure our own workforce is reflective of the communities we serve,” said Mayorkas.

Defense Cybersecurity Forum

Check out GovCon Wire's Defense Cybersecurity Forum coming up on May 12th. Visit GovConWire Events to learn more.

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Gen. Glen VanHerck: Military Can Adopt AI for Battlefield Decision Making
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Gen. Glen VanHerck: Military Can Adopt AI for Battlefield Decision Making

Gen. Glen VanHerck, who leads U.S. Northern Command, said the military demonstrated the viability of communications and decision making driven by artificial intelligence, National Defense Magazine reported Wednesday.

Northcom led the virtual Global Information Dominance Exercise II last week to exhibit AI-based decision making tools, with the participation of all combatant commands.

“What we were looking to do is show the incredible value of information and how information can be used today," VanHerck said.

He also noted that AI and machine learning may boost the availability and timeliness of data in support of decision makers. VanHerck said the exercise reflects that the military has the capacity to accelerate AI and ML adoption.

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Gavin Greene Joins Expression Networks as Chief Growth Officer
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Gavin Greene Joins Expression Networks as Chief Growth Officer

Gavin Greene has been named chief growth officer of Expression Networks, the company announced on Thursday. 

Green brings over twenty years of crucial experience to the role and will be responsible for Expression Networks’ exponential growth strategy to include all initiatives, business development, capture, marketing, and proposal functions.

Over more than two decades of strong business development experience, Greene will apply his significant experience in intelligence, data analytics and software engineering, which are all key areas for Expression Networks. 

Prior to joining Expression, Greene served as the vice president of business development for Centauri between 2019 and 2021. In addition, he’s also served in a wide range of senior leadership roles to drive business development practices and company growth for CACI International, the Harris Corporation, SAIC, The Radiant Group and Northrop Grumman. 

He has excelled at solving complex mission problems for federal customers. He has created and executed strategies for large, mid and small companies to successfully achieve growth goals.

In addition, Greene has served on the board of advisors for Integrated Systems and Sphinx Solutions since March 2021. Gavin earned his MBA/MAIA at American University and his BA at DePauw University. 

About Expression Networks

Expression Networks is a leading provider of tailored and integrated information technology, software engineering, data analytics, and electromagnetic spectrum management solutions to the national security community. Our Perpetual Innovation℠ advantage ensures our clients seamlessly meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

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Viasat Appoints Jim Bridenstine to Board of Directors
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Viasat Appoints Jim Bridenstine to Board of Directors

Viasat Inc. announced Thursday the company’s appointment of former National Aeronautics and Space Administration administrator and Oklahoma congressman Jim Bridenstine to its Board of Directors. Bridenstine, a 2019 Wash100 Award recipient, will serve as a Class II director, and his initial term will expire at Viasat’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. 

"Jim is a welcome addition to Viasat's Board of Directors. His insight into all aspects of advanced space programs can help ensure Viasat remains at the forefront of the space system and network technology globally and because of the pivotal role he's played in expanding the U.S. manned space program,” commented Viasat co-founder and executive chairman Mark Dankberg.

Bridenstine will use his extensive experience in space technology and innovation from NASA and defense and aerospace knowledge from his public service in the U.S. Navy and Congress to advise the Board on business strategy. 

While serving as NASA administrator, Bridenstine was responsible for many NASA accomplishments. Including the creation of the Artemis Program, commercial resupply of the International Space Station, the launching of American astronauts on U.S. soil and more. 

Before serving as NASA administrator, Bridenstine represented Oklahoma’s first Congressional district in the House of Representatives. While in Congress, he served on the Armed Services Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. He started his career in public service as a Navy pilot in 1998. Most recently, Bridenstine worked as a senior advisor to a private equity firm called Acorn Growth Companies. 

"My professional career reflects both my passion for space and national defense, as well as my intentions to make a meaningful contribution to each of those areas. Joining the Viasat Board of Directors is an opportunity for me to stay at the leading edge of technology and apply my experience and insights to critical global and national priorities. Viasat's missions, rapid entrepreneurial growth and culture of innovation,” added Bridenstine. 

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Alion Awarded $12 Million GSA OASIS Task Order for Flight Related Software Operational Test & Evaluation; Alan Dietrich Quoted
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Alion Awarded $12 Million GSA OASIS Task Order for Flight Related Software Operational Test & Evaluation; Alan Dietrich Quoted

Alion Science and Technology announced on Thursday that the company has received a potential five-year, $12 million task order from the U.S. Air Force to test, evaluate, and validate mission planning functions for the 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron, located at Eglin Air Force Base. 

“Alion has been at the forefront of developing, testing, and evaluating cutting edge mission management solutions and software that are vital to operational readiness and situational awareness,” said Alan Dietrich, senior vice president and general manager of Alion’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Group.

The Flight Related Software Operational Test and Evaluation is vital to ensure that all systems and equipment have been properly tested before release to operational Air Force units. Specific mission planning functions will include lab setup, software loading, flight planning, information assurance, weapons ballistics and delivery tactics, threat penetration analysis, and map imagery processing.  

“These technologies and solutions are critical for classifying and identifying threats to provide a coherent tactical picture for a wide variety of mission management functions,” Dietrich added. 

This task order was awarded under the General Services Administration (GSA) One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) Multiple Award (MA) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) – Pool 3 contract issued by GSA Region 04.

About Alion Science and Technology 

Solving our nation’s most complex national security challenges, Alion works side-by-side with our defense and intelligence communities as we design and deliver advanced engineering solutions to meet current and future demands. We go beyond the superficial and dive deep into the root of the engineering complexities and bring innovation to reality. 

With global industry expertise in Big Data, Analytics, and Cyber Security; Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Live, Virtual, and Constructive Training; Electronic Warfare and C5ISR; and Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing, Alion delivers mission success where and when it matters most.

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Tyto Athene Completes Acquisition of AT&T Government Solutions, Inc.; Chris Meilhammer Quoted
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Tyto Athene Completes Acquisition of AT&T Government Solutions, Inc.; Chris Meilhammer Quoted

Tyto Athene announced on Thursday that the company has completed its acquisition of AT&T Government Solutions, Inc. (GSI). The acquisition to acquire GSI was announced on March 3rd and terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

“We are pleased to announce that we have closed our acquisition of GSI. We are excited to welcome the GSI team into Tyto and begin working together to build a world-class organization to support our customers’ rapidly evolving requirements related to mission focused digital transformation,” said Chris Meilhammer, CEO of Tyto Athene.

The combination of Tyto with GSI, the latter is comprised of AT&T’s Department of Defense IT professional services business and select other contracts, creates a “pure-play”  IT professional services and solutions provider to the critical U.S. government agencies.

Meilhammer will serve as the CEO for the combined business unit with Dan Smith acting as its chief financial officer. Tyto is also welcoming the full workforce from GSI, which includes the following members of GSI’s management team taking pivotal leadership roles:

Carl Tegen – SVP, Army & DISA

Bill Lantzy – SVP, Navy & Marine Corps

David Blake – Chief Technology Officer

Hector Pelayo – VP, Air & Space Forces

Jeff Wolfe – VP, Integration Management Office

“In addition, we are excited to expand our Board of Directors with three great additions who can assist us as we take the company to the next level,” Meilhammer added.

Tyto Athene is also welcoming former CEO of IDEMIA’s North America Identity & Security Business Unit Ed Casey, current president and founder of K4D Ken Deutsch, and former Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Joanne Isham, to its board of directors in conjunction with the acquisition.

AT&T and Tyto have also agreed to enter into teaming agreements for opportunities in the DoD IT professional services market.

About Tyto Athene

Tyto Athene is a full-service systems integrator providing design, installation, and support of complex voice, data, and security networks. Our wide range of network services and solutions include VoIP/voice, video, data, transport, infrastructure, network management, and security.  Tyto Athene has over fifty years of experience supporting the Federal Government, the Department of Defense, State and Local Governments, communities, first responders and organizations across the United States and around the globe.

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