Federal Government

The Maryland Department of Health said a ransomware attack is what disrupted its systems and services last month. Although officials didn't state much about the attack, they said the ransom wasn't paid.

Plus, the public comment period is now open for the broadband programs within the new infrastructure bill; Maine has named the first leader for its broadband authority; and a New Jersey city works on digital inclusion.

Despite early misconceptions that the Space Force was not a real branch of the military, organizers have been recruiting high school and college-age students, as well as adults from Lima and other areas in Ohio.

Private investment, coupled with an unprecedented level of public investment from the recently passed infrastructure law, has presented the right mix of ingredients for even more public- and private-sector collaborations.

The congressional investigation of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack has revealed that misinformation about Antrim County, Mich., was part of a written plan to propagate Donald Trump's election fraud claims.

The Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 credit to low-income households for Internet services and replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit.

The Cyberspace Solarium Commission terminated in late December 2021, with members reportedly planning to form a nonprofit that will continue efforts to develop and promote cybersecurity policy.

AT&T and Verizon have denied a request from the federal government to delay the launch of a new 5G mobile service that could disrupt air travel, but the two companies would pause 5G deployment near specified airports.

Plus, USDA invests in rural infrastructure, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute extends digital equity programs, and appointments are made to the Texas Broadband Development Office Board of Advisors.

Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel recently responded to a congressional letter requesting a timeline for critical FCC broadband map updates. No dates were provided in the response.

One expert calls Log4j “maybe the vulnerability of the decade.” Governments and private organizations alike are trying to quickly patch the vulnerability, which has attracted hackers associated with nation-states.

Multiple federal entities are scouring the country for governments that have fallen prey to the global Log4j software vulnerability, which is considered the worst weak point in recent years by security experts.

Quantum computing strong enough to break traditional encryption methods is looming on the horizon — and federal officials want state and local governments to start planning for that future now.

Plus, apply for a job with the New York City Digital Service, Virginia announces more than $700 million in broadband connection grants, new data visualization shows innovations in cities spending federal money and more.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s revised framework expands its focus to operational technologies, urging organizations to better ensure mission-critical systems can withstand cyber disruptions.

Plus, Illinois Tech team develops environmentally sound digital currency; the National League of Cities unveils a new digital equity playbook; Washington approves $44.6 million of broadband grants; and more.

From the American Rescue Plan and the infrastructure bill to cybersecurity and ransomware policy, state and local governments felt the full effects of support from the Biden administration during the president's first year.

Scammers have created a network of 50 websites that aim to steal personal information or that advertise care packages and phone cards to troops for exorbitant prices, a cybersecurity firm said in a new report.