Microsoft released its 2025 Digital Defense Report, which identifies the greatest cybersecurity threats, what’s on the horizon, and how government and the private sector can collaborate to strengthen digital defenses.
The report highlights how nation-state actors are increasing attacks—both for espionage and financial gain. Governments can help fight back by imposing consequences on attackers, including nation-states, such as sanctions and indictments. For a summary of the report, check out this Microsoft on the Issues blog.
Thank you for reading! You’ll find more tech policy news and a featured podcast below.
This Week in Washington
- NextGov: Multiple Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offices were affected by shutdown layoffs, including the Stakeholder Engagement Division and the Infrastructure Security Division. About two-thirds of the agency had previously been furloughed at the start of the shutdown, leaving 900 employees working without pay.
- AXIOS: The AFL-CIO, America’s largest federation of labor unions, released a comprehensive AI agenda. The federation specifically advocates for a “worker-centered” artificial intelligence future, with a focus on digital skilling opportunities and regulation against AI abuses such as deepfakes and misinformation.
- MenaFN: The Senate passed the GAIN Act, implementing AI chip export controls, as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. The bill would require companies to prioritize U.S. customers in advanced chip sales and allow Congress to deny export licenses on a case-by-case basis. It now heads to the House for consideration.
- ExecutiveGov: The Department of Energy announced its Fusion Science & Technology Roadmap. The plan calls for investment in national labs and the use of AI to drive energy innovation and compete with China.
Article Summary
- Broadband Breakfast: The Commerce Department’s push to reduce deployment costs of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program funding has been successful. With 49 states reporting awards, the program is $20 billion under budget, nearly half of the $42.5 billion allocated to the grants.
- El Paso Matters: Meta announced a $1.5 billion new data center in El Paso, Texas. Meta had previously purchased 1.1 million gallons of water daily and committed to spending $800 million in the city, but upped their investment after OpenAI and Oracle announced a joint data center in the county.
- The Record: Michigan City, Indiana, is restoring systems shut down by a September 23 ransomware attack. The Obscura ransomware group took credit for the attack and posted all the data stolen after the municipality did not pay the ransom.
- SecurityWeek: Harvard University was the first confirmed victim of the major hack of Oracle by Cl0p ransomware. The hackers released 1.3 terabytes of data allegedly stolen from the university, which said the hack was contained to a small administrative unit.
Featured Podcast
- Afternoon Cyber Tea
How do you respond to a cyberattack? Microsoft Chief Communications Officer Frank Shaw recommends we lead with transparency. In this discussion with Ann Johnson, he shares insights on managing perceptions, leadership, and effective responses to cyber incidents. (From Silos to Solutions: Building Trust through Transparent Cybersecurity Communications – October 14, 2025) – 27 minute and 49 second listen.
Note: Voices for Innovation regularly shares a range of opinion articles and press releases from organizations in and publications covering tech policy. These pieces are meant to educate our audience, not to endorse specific platforms or bills.