Short Takes – 12-13-23

OMB takes aim at internet of things cybersecurity. NextGov.com article. Pull quote: “The required inventory follows active engagement with stakeholders and agencies, OMB says. In the memo, OMB defines what types of IoT assets agencies need to inventory — many of which might be considered operational technology [emphasis added], OMB says — and what information that inventory needs to include, such as information about how it's aligned to requirements and controls like those released by NIST.” OMG government agencies have OT systems??? Who knew? (SIGH)

FBI issues warning of lone actor violence for holiday events. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “FBI Director Christopher Wray said last week that the agency has seen a 60 percent jump in hate crime investigations across the U.S. since the outbreak of the war, with many of them targeting the Jewish community. He also said the FBI is working to prevent potential attacks inspired by Hamas as calls for violence against the U.S. have increased.”

“Energy Droughts” in Wind and Solar Can Last Nearly a Week, Research Shows. Newswise.com article. Pull quote: “When we have a completely decarbonized grid and depend heavily on solar and wind, energy droughts could have huge amounts of impact on the grid,” said Cameron Bracken, an Earth scientist at PNNL and lead author on the paper. Grid operators need to know when energy droughts will occur so they can prepare to pull energy from different sources. On top of that, understanding where, when, and for how long energy droughts occur will help experts manage grid-level battery systems that can store enough electricity to deploy during times when energy is needed most.”

Notice of President's National Infrastructure Advisory Council Meeting. Federal Register DHS meeting announcement. Summary: “On November 16, 2023 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the President's National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. This notice amends that prior notice. Meeting changes have occurred because of senior leadership availability and the urgent need to discuss priorities and potential threats concerning the nation's critical infrastructure.” New meeting date: December 13^th, 2023.

NASA Provides Updates on Commercial Space Station Development. ExecutiveGov.com article. Pull quote: “Angela Hart, manager of the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, said the agency has reviewed the specific hardware and processes of the stations and will move forward to multiple comprehensive design reviews in 2024.”