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CISA, FBI, NSA Warn of Russian State-Backed Actors Targeting Cleared Defense Contractors; Jen Easterly Quoted
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CISA, FBI, NSA Warn of Russian State-Backed Actors Targeting Cleared Defense Contractors; Jen Easterly Quoted

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, National Security Agency and the FBI have released a joint advisory saying cleared defense contractors and subcontractors have been targeted by Russian state-backed cyberthreat actors over the past two years.

Threat actors are targeting CDCs to gain access to export-controlled and unclassified proprietary data related to weapons development, scientific and technological research and communications infrastructure using brute force techniques, spearphishing emails and harvested credentials, among other tactics, CISA said Wednesday.

According to the advisory, these cleared contractors are supporting contracts with defense and intelligence agencies in various areas, including software development and analytics, weapons and missile development and vehicle and aircraft design.

“Over the last several years, we have observed and documented a host of malicious activity conducted by Russian state-sponsored cyber actors targeting U.S. critical infrastructure,” said Jen Easterly, director of CISA and a 2022 Wash100 Award winner.

“Today’s joint advisory with our partners at FBI and NSA is the latest report to detail these persistent threats to our nation’s safety and security. Everyone has a role to play to combat this and other Russian cyber threats, and we encourage all organizations of every size to take action to mitigate risks to their networks,” added Easterly.

Some of the mitigation measures outlined in the advisory are enabling multifactor authentication; introducing account lockout and time-based access features; establishing centralized log management; initiating software and patch management program; and using endpoint detection and response tools.

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John Sherman: CMMC 2.0 Could Help Raise ‘Waterline’ of Pentagon’s Cybersecurity
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John Sherman: CMMC 2.0 Could Help Raise ‘Waterline’ of Pentagon’s Cybersecurity

John Sherman, chief information officer at the Department of Defense and a 2022 Wash100 Award winner, said he wants to ramp up engagements with small and medium-sized businesses and clarify requirements under the second iteration of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program as part of efforts to elevate the “waterline” of DOD’s cybersecurity defenses, Breaking Defense reported Wednesday.

“It means raising the waterline of cybersecurity across the DoD to keep the Chinese and Russians and other potential adversaries away from our critical data,” Sherman said of CMMC 2.0 at a conference.

“This is basic hygiene to raise the water level to make sure we can protect our sensitive data so that when our service members have to go into action, they’re not going to have an unfair position because our adversary’s already stolen key data and technologies that’ll put them at an advantage,” he added.

Sherman also highlighted the importance of the CMMC 2.0 program to the Pentagon.

“There’s a cost to your IP, there’s a cost to the US government and there’s a benefit to our adversaries if we don’t do something like this,” he said of the cyber certification program.

In early February, Deputy Defense Secretary and 2022 Wash100 awardee Kathleen Hicks ordered the transfer of the CMMC program from the office of the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment to Sherman’s office as part of a realignment effort.

POC - 3rd Annual CIO Summit

Sherman will keynote the Potomac Officers Club’s 3rd Annual CIO Summit, scheduled for April 26. Visit the Potomac Officers Club site to learn more about this event and view POC’s full calendar.

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NetImpact Strategies Hires Former AWS Exec Naren Dasu as Chief Technology Officer; CEO PV Puvvada Quoted
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NetImpact Strategies Hires Former AWS Exec Naren Dasu as Chief Technology Officer; CEO PV Puvvada Quoted

Former Amazon Web Services leader Naren Dasu has joined NetImpact Strategies as chief technology officer.

In his new role, Dasu will be expected to leverage his 25 years of experience at various prominent companies to helm NetImpact’s technology program and product services lifecycle, the Falls Church, Virginia-based company said on Wednesday.

“[Dasu’s] hands-on expertise across a wide range of large scale solutions throughout multiple commercial industries brings our Federal customers significant advantage,” said NetImpact CEO Venkatapathi Puvvada, a six-time Wash100 Award recipient.

In his time at AWS, Dasu was responsible for managing the company’s staff remote access system through its EC2 Networking VPN program.

Prior to AWS, Dasu led group efforts at Microsoft TV, where he oversaw OSS-BSS systems and UI customization. He also created the terms for and implemented Internet of Things home video camera event-prompted recording, edge processing and analytics at Samsung.

In addition, Dasu spent time developing scalable applications at Cisco’s Video Content Distribution Network and worked on artificial intelligence and machine learning ventures at Waygate’s industrial IoT inspections.

Dasu shared that NetImpact’s collaborations with government sector clients and the company’s emphasis on digital transformation makes the new opportunity appealing.

“I am very impressed with NetImpact’s growth velocity and their success in building and delivering DX360 platform solutions in a short period of time,” Dasu added.

The executive’s specialties include heading up go-to-market strategies for various products as well as working with session and resource management applications. NetImpact’s appointment of Dasu follows the company’s confirmation of Sharon Jimenez as chief growth officer in January 2022.

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Air Force Research Lab Events Focus on Energy Weapons, Space Domain Awareness Tech
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Air Force Research Lab Events Focus on Energy Weapons, Space Domain Awareness Tech

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory recently held two separate events in New Mexico to advance directed energy and kinetic energy capabilities and space domain awareness.

Pilots and officers virtually tested DE and KE systems during the Directed Energy and Kinetic Energy Directed Energy Utility Concept Experiment while defense leaders and researchers talked about SDA-related challenges and technologies during the 9th Annual Space Domain Awareness Leadership Workshop, AFRL said.

Darl Lewis, DEKE DEUCE lead and wargaming principal investigator, explained that the wargame event helped determine capabilities and joint integration gaps that can be solved by next-generation energy weapons and gather warfighter feedback from pilots that tested energy weapon concepts.

Meanwhile, the SDA Leadership Workshop facilitated conversations revolving around situational awareness outside Earth between defense decision-makers, space operators and researchers.

“Since the first workshop in 2013, AFRL has strived to facilitate cross organization sharing from each agency’s expertise, and to not just make the gathering about the new technology emerging from AFRL,” noted David Barnaby, an official within AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate.

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Accenture Federal Names Michael Scruggs Applied Intelligence Lead; Senior Managing Director Vanessa Godshalk Quoted
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Accenture Federal Names Michael Scruggs Applied Intelligence Lead; Senior Managing Director Vanessa Godshalk Quoted

Accenture’s federal arm has chosen Michael Scruggs, a former SAIC exec, as its applied intelligence lead. The Arlington, Virginia-based company said Wednesday that Scruggs will be tasked with developing procedures and strategies for predictive analytics and machine learning.

“Scruggs’ impressive track record in data science and artificial intelligence includes building successful sales, product, and delivery organizations to incubate and grow AI portfolios,” said Vanessa Godshalk, senior managing director of strategy and consulting at Accenture Federal.

In his new position, Scruggs will also take charge of work involving robotic process automation and edge services. Scruggs reports that he is “thrilled” to come aboard the company and begin work on these duties.

At SAIC, Scruggs was senior vice president of AI and helmed efforts to create growth via AI technology and strategy development, along with attempting to expand the company’s AI portfolio.

Before his time with SAIC, Scruggs worked at IBM for over a decade, operating in senior-level positions in the company’s cloud and cognitive business department.

He came to IBM from SPSS when it was acquired by the former company. At SPSS Scruggs was vice president of the public sector division. The AI and data science practitioner earned the distinction of 2021 Finalist for Washington Executive’s AI Executive of the Year.

Scruggs’ hire follows Accenture Federal’s promotion of Dr. Jennifer Sample to Growth and Strategy lead in September 2021.

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FCC, NTIA Launch Effort to Enhance Spectrum Policy Coordination; Jessica Rosenworcel Quoted
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FCC, NTIA Launch Effort to Enhance Spectrum Policy Coordination; Jessica Rosenworcel Quoted

The Federal Communications Commission has partnered with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for an effort to improve how the government coordinates spectrum management activities.

FCC said Tuesday it will work with NTIA to improve information sharing, decision making and policy issue mitigation under the Spectrum Coordination Initiative.

Jessica Rosenworcel, FCC’s chairwoman, said the U.S. now needs a whole-of-government approach to spectrum policy.

Rosenworcel and Alan Davidson, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information, aim to reinstate spectrum planning meetings, reaffirm agency responsibilities, observe evidence-based policymaking and foster technical exchanges with other agencies and industry.

The initiative will also renew efforts to support the development of a U.S. national spectrum strategy and boost transparency regarding spectrum usage.

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NASA Seeks Sensor Tech for Safe Lunar Landing on Dark Areas; John Kelly Quoted
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NASA Seeks Sensor Tech for Safe Lunar Landing on Dark Areas; John Kelly Quoted

A challenge under the NASA TechLeap Prize seeks proposals for sensor technologies designed to detect surface hazards from high altitudes and help spacecraft land safely on dark areas of the Moon.

Nighttime Precision Landing Challenge No. 1 calls for technologies that can sense hazards from a 250-meter altitude or greater, NASA said Wednesday.

The technologies must also process the gathered data in real time to support landing safety.

The space agency plans to award a maximum of $650,000 each to three winners, which would use the funds to build proposed payloads. Winners may also receive the opportunity to test their payloads aboard a suborbital flight.

“This is an exciting opportunity for industry to offer solutions that address one of NASA’s critical goals for space exploration and scientific discovery,” said John Kelly, program manager for NASA’s Flight Opportunities program.

Interested parties may register for the challenge through May 5 and will have up to May 19 to complete applications.

GAO Report Provides Snapshot of DOD Efforts to Address Strategic Competition With China
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GAO Report Provides Snapshot of DOD Efforts to Address Strategic Competition With China

The Government Accountability Office has released a snapshot report detailing key actions the Department of Defense can take to address challenges in strategic competition with China and boost national security.

GAO said Tuesday the Pentagon could focus on advancing its efforts to mitigate threats to mobility from China, enhance defenses against cybersecurity threats and improve sailor fatigue management, among other recommendations.

According to the government watchdog, China is strengthening its capabilities in key areas including anti-access and area-denial, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, surface and undersea operations and space.

“Today, China has transformed what was an obsolete military into one that can challenge the U.S. military across the spectrum of conventional and unconventional capabilities,” the snapshot report reads.

GAO identified a number of unclassified and classified reports to guide the decisions of defense officials and lawmakers as they prepare to respond to the national security challenges posed by China.

“For the U.S. to be poised for success in facing threats from China, DOD will need to take timely actions and congressional oversight will be important as these efforts proceed,” GAO said.

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Executive Spotlight: Nathan Jones, TaxBit SVP & GM of Worldwide Public Sector Sales, Government Affairs
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Executive Spotlight: Nathan Jones, TaxBit SVP & GM of Worldwide Public Sector Sales, Government Affairs

Nathan Jones, senior vice president and general manager of Worldwide Public Sector Sales and Government Affairs for TaxBit, spoke with ExecutiveGov for the publication’s latest Executive Spotlight interview on his recent appointment and joining the company.

In addition, Jones also discussed the importance as tax policies influence the cryptocurrency market as well as his thoughts on the basic understanding of crypto, how to increase mainstream adoption and the impact of the recent Infrastructure Bill that is bringing big changes to crypto reporting in the federal sector.

“The faster mainstream adoption of this currency or asset class is going to grow, that’s what we feel our mission is really. To be that broker of information to be able to break down the gaps that exist and the questions that still exist in cryptocurrency. Once we have that understanding, the assets become more stable and then it’s just as mainstream as the money in your wallet.”

You can read the full Executive Spotlight interview with Nathan Jones below.

ExecutiveGov: Congrats on joining TaxBit and the new position! What interested you the most about the opportunity to join the company?

“I’m thrilled to join TaxBit. I’ve been searching for the next chapter of my career. I worked at Red Hat and helped establish the company. We drove open source software into the market over the last two decades. It’s actually a similar underlying tech journey with the cryptocurrency market, which has been built on blockchain technology.

My journey at Red Hat was about taking something that was confusing and uncertain and creating an ecosystem around the IT enterprise, support and standardization that comes with helping the federal government to consume the technology.

When you look at what TaxBit is doing, it taps into what the government is doing with cryptocurrency as they regulate the market and collect taxes. What will the reporting requirements be?

It’s actually an intersection of cryptocurrency with financial regulation and policy compliance. I believe this certainty will be critical to fueling the growth of the crypto market and digital assets to emerge as the standard. That will be at the heart of success for crypto and digital asset adoption.

If you read about our company’s history, Austin and Justin are our founders. They’re brothers and started the company in 2018 during a period when bitcoin had rallied to about $20,000, took a big hit and was perceived to be in decline. Our founders were dedicated visionaries who kept going through what’s been called the ‘Crypto Winter.’

At the time, it was a very small contingency of people, but they built out this technical connectivity to all the different exchanges. They worked on that since 2018 and it’s the reason why we have the compelling offering that TaxBit has today. It’s because of their foresight to persevere through the Crypto Winter to reach the funding and valuation that we have today. They saw the forest through the trees.”

And this is just the beginning. At TaxBit, we’re transforming the cumbersome experience of cryptocurrency tax reporting in a way that not only ensures compliance with tax law but also helps users actively tax optimize their investments and use of cryptocurrency. This is quite uncharted territory, and I’m excited to help champion our data and tax automation practices for the government.”

ExecutiveGov: Can you give us a brief explanation of cryptocurrency, how it works and its importance in the marketplace?

“Digitization is happening in every aspect of our lives. The more I thought about that, the more I realized that it’s only natural that the monetary system and the economy would also need to change and adapt. People are already using a lot of online services for financial transactions, but those transactions are still being executed using an underlying traditional money system.

As an organization in today’s modern age, why wouldn’t you execute a completely new digital asset infrastructure for those electronic transactions?  A digital asset infrastructure that can enable instantaneous real-time, peer to peer transactions with no delay.

These transactions tend to occur in blockchain open source technology where everything is verifiable and unalterable so the historical data is always there. I come from an open source software background. That’s a significant allure to crypto technology and is critical for underlying the transparency to bring all these capabilities to fintech. It’s the next chapter.

Blockchain is the underlying technology for cryptocurrency. Actually, I’d say that crypto is the first real great example of the use of blockchain. As you think about blockchain expanding into other areas, healthcare is a big area of focus.

Smart contracts are another. Why continue to use paper contracts for everything when digital blockchain-based contracts are more verifiable, more automated and safer.

This goes into a much bigger conversation about open source and the nature of it. As we look at open source, Linux was the first one through the gate. The entire cloud computing infrastructure is based on open source and open source is becoming the method of collaborative research in healthcare and other areas.

The whole fundamental concept of open source data and research is going to be based around blockchain. It will be the underpinnings of a lot of breakthrough innovations. Cryptocurrency is just the first proof of that point. I love that it’s the most prolific place for innovation to occur and the financial market is ripe for innovation.”

ExecutiveGov: Cryptocurrency is at an inflection point, can you please discuss steps to increase mainstream adoption?

“It’s become an old adage at this point that ‘crypto is taking off faster than the internet.’ There are a lot of individual investors in crypto and even conservative investors that have bought their crypto as a beachhead.

They are not executing a ton of transactions, but they bought crypto to hold some of the whole of their funds in digital assets. The exponential growth in crypto will come for mainstream institutional investments and that will happen as the government provides certainty and guardrails.

I just listened to Senator Cynthia Lummis yesterday as she talked about the U.S. having a golden opportunity to lead in this area. If we don’t, then other nations will and it could be our biggest adversaries who will drive these innovations, investors and reform an entire digital fintech ecosystem without us.

The U.S. government can enable that by making regulations consumable and common sense. In addition, regulation will absolutely bring more institutional investment and use of these digital assets and currencies.”

ExecutiveGov: The latest Infrastructure Bill has some new requirements regarding crypto reporting. Can you please discuss what this means for the government and consumers?

“The Infrastructure bill will have an impact at a basic level. The stock market firms are required to send a 1099 to the IRS on behalf of their customers. Those 1099 forms have shown the tax obligations for decades.

Now, crypto exchanges will have to do this for their customers as the basic and biggest requirement of the infrastructure bill. There are still some unanswered questions about the details but I do think the bigger and mainstream crypto transactions that are happening will be included.

After that, the question is how to accurately report this to the federal government. Some exchanges will have to collect verified customer information. However, this will be the responsibility of the exchange or the broker, not the taxpayer directly.

This is not a new model for securities, equities and commodities. It isn’t even a new model for large cash transfers, but it will be a new requirement for crypto. That’s what some of these exchanges will have to implement.

I think as we look at what consumers need to be aware of, or what government officials needs the  most of these exchanges can make it easy for a taxpayer to define what their overall taxable events are by the end of the year. I think in terms of the regulatory environment and what people want, I believe that investors and citizens want certainty.

They want enablement of this new class on digital assets that isn’t political. It helps the unbanked, but it also helps the free market economy. It’s a technology and a modern financial ecosystem that everybody can get behind.  It will be important to define how a digital asset is treated, but I think the goal should be certainty and some reasonable regulatory protection for the average user of these digital assets.”

ExecutiveGov: With the cryptocurrency market undergoing such dramatic shifts and changes, what do you hope to accomplish with TaxBit in the year to come and beyond?

“For 2022 at a basic level, we’re looking to help all end users of cryptocurrency whether they’re in the federal government or commercial. Through our efforts with the exchanges, we’ll be able to accurately report their taxes and build a better understanding of cryptocurrency at the mainstream level. TaxBit will illustrate how their financial assets are being used, both from an accounting standpoint and from a tax calculation compliance standpoint.

From the government perspective, we want to help the government understand how end users are able to capture this data as well as what they’re able to report and how they’re able to report it. After that, we want to help the government consume that information and ultimately make it easier to implement regulations.

The faster mainstream adoption of this currency or asset class is going to grow, that’s what we feel our mission is really. To be that broker of information to be able to break down the gaps that exist and the questions that still exist in cryptocurrency. Once we have that understanding, the assets become more stable and then it’s just as mainstream as the money in your wallet.

As we look a couple years into the future, I would be willing to say that individual investors and the understanding of the federal government’s tax collection agencies will understand a lot of how these assets work.

We’d want all the stakeholders to be educated on what’s possible from a tooling perspective and a process perspective to make digital asset adoption and compliance easier across the board. We’re still in the information age and beginning stages. It’s only a matter of time.”

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Navy Capt. Sid Hodgson Starts Leadership Role at Aegis Technical Representative Org
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Navy Capt. Sid Hodgson Starts Leadership Role at Aegis Technical Representative Org

U.S. Navy Capt. Sid Hodgson, formerly program manager of terminal defense systems at Naval Sea Systems Command, has assumed duties as commanding officer of NAVSEA’s Aegis Technical Representative shore activity.

He succeeds Capt. Philip Mlynarski, who has led the AEGIS TECHREP organization since July 2018, and will be responsible for technical oversight and support of the Lockheed Martin-built integrated naval weapon system, NAVSEA said Tuesday.

The organization is made-up of civilian, military and contractor personnel who support more than $3 billion in large-scale contracts to engineer, integrate, test, produce and maintain combat system baseline configurations for the Navy, the Missile Defense Agency and foreign military sales customers.

Hodgson is an Acquisition Professionals Corps member and holds Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act certifications in program management and systems planning, research, development and engineering.

He officially took command of AEGIS TECHREP at a ceremony held Friday at a Moorestown, New Jersey, facility run by Lockheed’s rotary and mission systems business.

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