U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered Cyber Command to halt all planning and offensive operations against Russia, signaling a shift in strategy aimed at normalizing relations with Moscow amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The directive, conveyed to Cyber Command leadership, does not apply to the National Security Agency's signals intelligence activities related to Russia. While the duration of the stand-down is unclear, Cyber Command has been instructed to assess the implications of this order on current missions and potential threats, affecting a significant portion of its personnel dedicated to Russian operations.

U.S. Cyber Command Halts Offensive Operations Against Russia Amid Policy Shift The Record

Cybersecurity professionals experience significant mental health challenges due to the high-pressure demands of their roles. A study by Tines found that 66% of security team members report work-related stress, with 22% experiencing severe levels. The stress negatively impacts job performance and personal well-being, particularly during major incidents that contribute to psychological trauma, such as sleep disturbances and feelings of inadequacy. The mission-driven focus of cybersecurity intensifies these effects, leading to prolonged hypervigilance and potential PTSD symptoms. Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) face additional pressures and risks of personal liability, which can contribute to higher rates of depression and substance abuse among them.

Cybersecurity Stress: A Silent Crisis Threatening Professionals' Well-Being CSO

A study by Modat researchers has identified over 49,000 misconfigured Access Management Systems (AMS) exposed online, raising serious privacy and security concerns across various sectors globally. These systems, which control entry to secure areas via biometrics and ID cards, were found lacking proper security configurations, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive employee data, including personal identification, biometric details, and access logs. Researchers demonstrated the vulnerability by manipulating records and credentials in some systems, highlighting the risks associated with AMS in government and critical infrastructure settings. The majority of exposed systems were located in Italy, Mexico, and Vietnam, with the U.S. also having a significant number of vulnerabilities.

Over 49,000 Exposed Access Management Systems Threaten Global Security BleepingComputer

A shooting incident occurred at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center's emergency room, resulting in a security guard being shot and taken to safety, while a suspect was apprehended. The suspect, who was brought to the hospital by a family member, engaged in a confrontation with the security guard that escalated, leading to the guard being shot in the upper body. Hospital staff managed to subdue the assailant and recover a handgun at the scene. While the injured guard is expected to survive, a second guard sustained minor injuries. Authorities confirmed the shooting was isolated and secured the hospital grounds; operations continued with minimal disruption. An investigation is ongoing, with no further details released about the suspect.

Shooting at Scottsdale Hospital Emergency Room Leaves Security Guard Injured azcentral.com

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered Cyber Command to halt all planning and offensive operations against Russia, signaling a shift in strategy aimed at normalizing relations with Moscow amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The directive, conveyed to Cyber Command leadership, does not apply to the National Security Agency's signals intelligence activities related to Russia. While the duration of the stand-down is unclear, Cyber Command has been instructed to assess the implications of this order on current missions and potential threats, affecting a significant portion of its personnel dedicated to Russian operations.

U.S. Cyber Command Halts Offensive Operations Against Russia Amid Policy Shift The Record

Cybersecurity professionals experience significant mental health challenges due to the high-pressure demands of their roles. A study by Tines found that 66% of security team members report work-related stress, with 22% experiencing severe levels. The stress negatively impacts job performance and personal well-being, particularly during major incidents that contribute to psychological trauma, such as sleep disturbances and feelings of inadequacy. The mission-driven focus of cybersecurity intensifies these effects, leading to prolonged hypervigilance and potential PTSD symptoms. Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) face additional pressures and risks of personal liability, which can contribute to higher rates of depression and substance abuse among them.

Cybersecurity Stress: A Silent Crisis Threatening Professionals' Well-Being CSO

A study by Modat researchers has identified over 49,000 misconfigured Access Management Systems (AMS) exposed online, raising serious privacy and security concerns across various sectors globally. These systems, which control entry to secure areas via biometrics and ID cards, were found lacking proper security configurations, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive employee data, including personal identification, biometric details, and access logs. Researchers demonstrated the vulnerability by manipulating records and credentials in some systems, highlighting the risks associated with AMS in government and critical infrastructure settings. The majority of exposed systems were located in Italy, Mexico, and Vietnam, with the U.S. also having a significant number of vulnerabilities.

Over 49,000 Exposed Access Management Systems Threaten Global Security BleepingComputer

A shooting incident occurred at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center's emergency room, resulting in a security guard being shot and taken to safety, while a suspect was apprehended. The suspect, who was brought to the hospital by a family member, engaged in a confrontation with the security guard that escalated, leading to the guard being shot in the upper body. Hospital staff managed to subdue the assailant and recover a handgun at the scene. While the injured guard is expected to survive, a second guard sustained minor injuries. Authorities confirmed the shooting was isolated and secured the hospital grounds; operations continued with minimal disruption. An investigation is ongoing, with no further details released about the suspect.

Shooting at Scottsdale Hospital Emergency Room Leaves Security Guard Injured azcentral.com