The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has refused recent reports suggesting a shift in its approach to addressing cyber threats from Russia.
The Guardian published an article citing anonymous sources who claimed CISA analysts had been instructed not to report on Russian cyber threats, and that a Russia-related project was halted.
In response, CISA issued a statement, affirming its continued commitment to defending US critical infrastructure against all cyber threats, including those from Russia, and asserting that any claims of a change in strategy were inaccurate.
However, this story coincided with the news about a temporary order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for US Cyber Command to halt all planning related to Russia, though the order did not apply to the National Security Agency.
Further reports from the Washington Post and New York Times indicated that this directive may be related to diplomatic efforts by President Donald Trump to engage Russia in negotiations about the war in Ukraine.
Russia, however, was absent in a recent speech by a senior State Department official on critical infrastructure cyber threats within the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG).
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
The UK government has removed encryption advice from its official web pages, shortly after requesting backdoor access to encrypted data stored on Apple’s iCloud service.
The change was noticed by security expert Alec Muffett, who highlighted in a blog post that the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) no longer recommends encryption for high-risk individuals.
Previously, the NCSC had advised the use of encryption tools such as Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for secure iCloud backups, which provide end-to-end encryption to ensure only the user has access to their data.
However, the webpage now redirects to a different page with no mention of encryption, instead recommending Apple’s Lockdown Mode—a security feature designed to limit access to certain phone functions.
Muffett pointed out that the original advice is no longer available on government sites, though it can still be accessed via the Wayback Machine.
This development follows reports that the UK government requested Apple to build a backdoor to access encrypted iCloud data.
In response, Apple removed the ADP feature for new users in the UK and stated that existing users would eventually need to disable it. Apple is reportedly challenging the UK’s data access order in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT).
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Indonesia has granted local content certificates for 20 Apple products, including the iPhone 16 after the company met requirements for locally-made components.
Apple still needs further approvals from the communications and trade ministries before it can officially sell the devices in the country.
The certification follows Apple’s recent pledge to invest over $300 million in Indonesia, including funding component manufacturing plants and a research and development centre.
Industry ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arief confirmed that Apple received certificates for 11 phone models and nine tablets.
However, negotiations had been ‘tricky’, according to Indonesia’s industry minister. Apple remains outside the top five smartphone brands in Indonesia, according to research firm Canalyst.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Italy’s ruling League party is urging the government to choose Elon Musk’s Starlink over French-led Eutelsat for secure satellite communications, arguing that Starlink’s technology is more advanced.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government is looking for an encrypted communication system for officials operating in high-risk areas, with both Starlink and Eutelsat in talks for the contract.
League leader Matteo Salvini, a strong supporter of former US President Donald Trump, has emphasised the need to prioritise US technology over a French alternative.
Meanwhile, Eutelsat’s CEO confirmed discussions with Italy as the country seeks an interim solution before the EU’s delayed IRIS² satellite system becomes operational.
Meloni’s office has stated that no formal negotiations have taken place and that any decision will be made transparently.
However, opposition parties have raised concerns over Starlink’s involvement, given recent speculation that Musk could cut off Ukraine from its service, potentially affecting national security interests.
Musk responded positively to the League’s endorsement, calling it ‘much appreciated’ on his social media platform X.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
A former top National Security Agency official has warned that widespread federal job cuts could severely undermine US cybersecurity and national security.
Rob Joyce, former NSA director of cybersecurity, told a congressional committee that eliminating probationary employees would weaken the government’s ability to combat cyber threats, particularly those from China.
The remarks were made during a House Select Committee hearing on China‘s cyber operations targeting critical United States infrastructure and telecommunications.
More than 100,000 federal workers have left their jobs through early retirement or layoffs as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to shrink government agencies, with support from billionaire advisor Elon Musk.
While national security roles were supposed to be exempt, some cybersecurity positions have still been affected.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has already cut over 130 positions, raising concerns about the government’s ability to protect critical systems.
The White House and NSA declined to comment on the impact of the job reductions.
A DHS spokesperson confirmed that the cuts are expected to save $50 million and that further reductions in ‘wasteful positions’ are being considered.
However, critics argue that the loss of skilled personnel in cybersecurity roles could leave the country more vulnerable to foreign threats.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to vote next month on exploring alternatives to GPS due to growing national security concerns.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr warned that relying on a single system for navigation and timing leaves the United States vulnerable to disruptions. Reports of increased GPS interference, particularly spoofing attacks since 2023, have raised fears of accidents if aircraft are misdirected.
Concerns over GPS security have been discussed for years, with President Donald Trump and bipartisan lawmakers calling for action.
The FCC’s March 27 vote will launch an inquiry into alternative Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems that could complement or replace GPS. The aim is to encourage innovation in navigation technology and strengthen resilience against disruptions.
GPS plays a crucial role in aviation, replacing traditional ground-based navigation systems. However, its reliance on satellite signals makes it susceptible to interference.
The Federal Aviation Administration is already working on global authentication measures to counter spoofing threats and improve the security of satellite-based navigation.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Microsoft has reportedly scaled back parts of its agreements with cloud computing provider CoreWeave due to delivery issues and missed deadlines, according to the Financial Times.
Despite maintaining several contracts worth billions, the tech giant has moved away from certain deals, though the decision is said to be unrelated to any broader changes in its data centre strategy.
CoreWeave, backed by Nvidia, specialises in providing high-powered AI computing resources and competes with major cloud providers like Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS.
The company is preparing for a major initial public offering (IPO) in New York, aiming for a valuation exceeding $35 billion and seeking to raise over $3 billion.
The cloud provider recently expanded its capabilities by acquiring AI developer platform Weights & Biases for an undisclosed sum.
Neither Microsoft, CoreWeave, nor Nvidia have responded to requests for comment regarding the report.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Nvidia’s shares plummeted nearly 9% on 3 March following an announcement by US President Donald Trump confirming new tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, set to take effect on 4 March. The decline contributed to a broader market downturn, with the Dow Jones falling by 800 points and the Nasdaq dropping by over 3%. Nvidia’s market value took a sharp hit, losing around $265 billion and falling to $2.79 trillion, a steep drop from its previous $3 trillion valuation.
Despite reporting strong earnings, with revenue surging 78% year-over-year to $39.33 billion, Nvidia’s stock has lost 13% since 26 February. The 25% tariffs could affect the company’s operations, particularly as some of its systems are manufactured in the US and Mexico. However, CEO Jensen Huang remains optimistic, highlighting Nvidia’s AI advancements and the upcoming Blackwell chips, which he says will drive strong performance in the next quarter.
Nvidia also plans to play a key role in Taiwan Semiconductor’s $100 billion expansion in the US, a project mentioned by Trump. While the company faces short-term market volatility and policy challenges, its long-term strategy remains focused on technological growth and innovation.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
South Korea has announced the creation of a $34 billion policy fund to support companies in key industries such as semiconductors, automotive, and advanced technologies, in response to growing global competition and protectionist policies.
The state-run Korea Development Bank will manage the fund by providing low-interest loans and other financial support over the next five years to businesses involved in national strategic industries.
The government stressed that maintaining competitiveness in these strategic sectors has become crucial to the country’s economic security, particularly amid the uncertainties caused by the new US administration.
South Korea has identified 12 industries, including semiconductors, AI, and biopharmaceuticals, as critical for its future economic stability and will offer targeted financial support to strengthen these sectors.
In addition to the fund, South Korea also unveiled new policies to attract skilled global talent in cutting-edge fields. These measures include offering top-tier visas and permanent residency to professionals with experience at major international firms, aiming to enhance the country’s workforce in strategic industries.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Donald Trump has called for the repeal of the CHIPS and Science Act, a key piece of legislation passed in 2022 to support semiconductor manufacturing in the US.
Trump criticised the law during a speech to Congress, describing it as a waste of hundreds of billions of dollars and suggesting the funds should instead be used to reduce national debt. His remarks mark his most forceful criticism of the act to date.
The CHIPS Act, signed by President Joe Biden, allocated $39 billion in subsidies for US semiconductor production and related industries, along with $75 billion in government-backed loans.
The initiative was part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign-made chips and address national security concerns.
Trump argued that rather than offering financial incentives, the government could avoid imposing tariffs to encourage semiconductor companies to build factories in the US.
However, the program has garnered support from officials, including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who played a key role in securing investments from leading global semiconductor firms like Samsung, Intel, and TSMC.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul defended the CHIPS Act, emphasising its role in bringing significant investment and job creation to the state, including Micron’s $100 billion investment in Central New York.
Trump’s comments have raised concerns about the future of these grants and the potential impact on such developments.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
