In the News
By ALEX BYERS and KATE TUMMARELLO
POLITICO
FCC TELLS SECURITY TASK FORCE TO LOOK AT SS7 FLAW — The FCC wants its Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council to examine the mobile network flaw highlighted in Sunday’s “60 Minutes” report that can be used by hackers to listen in on phone calls. The report studied previously disclosed vulnerabilities in what’s known as SS7 — an older protocol that allows mobile networks connect with one another — that allowed hackers to surveil a cell phone via its phone number.
By DAVID McCABE
The Hill
A top Republican lawmaker on tech issues said the House should look into whether mobile phone networks are vulnerable to hackers. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, said Monday night that a “60 Minutes” report on the vulnerability was worrisome.
By RUDY TAKALA
The Washington Examiner
A leader in cybersecurity policy is calling on Congress to investigate a flaw that makes cellular devices worldwide vulnerable to surveillance by hackers and foreign intelligence agencies, according to a letter obtained by the Washington Examiner.
By ALEX FITZPATRICK
Time
60 Minutes shocked some viewers Sunday evening when it showed a team of hackers listening in on a phone call between a reporter and a congressman.
By CORY BENNETT
The Hill
A House Democrat is pressing for a congressional investigation into a mobile network flaw that could allow hackers to eavesdrop on phone conversations all over the world. The security defect was dramatically illustrated in a “60 Minutes” segment Sunday night, where Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) allowed hackers to tap into his iPhone using a vulnerability in the global network that connects phone carriers.
March 23, 2016
By JULLIAN HATTEM
The Hill
April 10, 2016
By MIKE LILLIS
The Hill
March 30, 2016
By VALERIE VOLCOVICI
Reuters
Two California Democratic congressmen on Wednesday urged the California Public Employees Retirement System, the largest U.S. public pension fund, to divest from oil giant ExxonMobil over its handling of the issue of climate change. Congressmen Ted Lieu and Mark DeSaulnier sent a letter to CalPERS CEO Anne Stausboll, saying it is "morally suspect" for the $300 billion pension fund "to invest in a company that engaged in morally reprehensible conduct" on climate change.
March 17, 2016
By AISHA CHOWDHRY
Federal Computer Week
An amendment to provide $3 billion for a revolving IT modernization fund was rejected by the House Budget Committee in a hearing to pass the fiscal year 2017 budget resolution on March 16.