Dear Executive Briefing Subscribers—
Cyberattacks remain an ongoing challenge for both the private and public sector. While technical vulnerabilities are one vector for cyberattacks, a new report from Palo Alto Networks says the top vector for cyber intrusions over the last year is social engineering—a variety of tactics for tricking users into divulging credentials or providing access. Nation-state actors and ransomware gangs have both used social engineering for many attacks.
Microsoft has been working to thwart social engineering attacks with smarter user experience (UX) design. Good design, education, and clear communications help users make better security decisions. For a deeper dive into this topic, check out this article.
Thank you for keeping up with top tech issues. We share additional tech policy news and a featured podcast below.
This Week in Washington
- Industrial Cyber: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) announced a $100 million round of cybersecurity grant money in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The grants are available to states, municipalities, and tribes to help them invest in cybersecurity improvements.
- FedScoop: A bipartisan bill, the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, was introduced in the Senate. The bill asks the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a public/private task force to prevent overseas robocalls that scam American consumers.
- New York Times: As the Trump administration looks for ways to protect American innovation and technological infrastructure, President Trump has proposed a 100% tariff on semiconductors from companies that do not invest in a U.S.-based supply chain. A formal announcement is expected in the coming weeks.
- CyberScoop: Shortly before heading back to districts for the August District Work Period, the U.S. Senate confirmed Sean Cairncross as National Cyber Director. Cairncross, a veteran policy advisor in the first Trump White House, will coordinate the Trump administration’s cybersecurity partnerships with the private sector and serve as an “air traffic controller” on cyber issues throughout the federal government.
Article Summary
- StateScoop: Colorado governor Jared Polis has called state lawmakers back to Denver for a special session specifically intended to delay the state’s 2024 AI law. The law aims to foster the ethical use of AI in the state with transparency and accountability requirements.
- Atlanta News First: A cyberattack in Georgia targeted the state’s SNAP benefits program. A flood of robocalls shut down the state’s SNAP call center indefinitely, and the Georgia Department of Human Services encouraged cardholders to change their PINs.
- News 5 Cleveland: Ohio’s State Budget includes new requirements for cybersecurity protection, including local-level cybersecurity plans and a mandate that any ransom payments to hackers be approved publicly. The Ohio Auditor of State’s office noted there have been 235 cybersecurity incidents in Ohio since 2023.
- PBS Newshour: Bowling Green, Kentucky, is using AI to collect, synthesize, and share constituents’ voices. The initiative is bringing people together to generate ideas across political ideologies around affordable housing, business development, and education policy.
Featured Podcast
- The AI Daily Brief
Large technology companies, including Microsoft and Meta, are showing real AI revenue, fueled by nearly $400 billion in AI infrastructure investments. The AI Daily Brief dives into this shift and what it means for the developing AI economy. (Welcome to the AI Economy – August 4, 2025) – 26 minute and 3 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.