Pentagon moves to get tough on contractor cybersecurity, data protection

The Pentagon is directing its acquisition workforce to better assess and enforce contractors' compliance with cybersecurity requirements, as officials are particularly concerned about adversaries stealing sensitive data from companies farther down the supply chain.

Defense Department Chief Information Officer Dana Deasy said cybersecurity in the defense industrial base is among his top priorities. He told the Senate Armed Services cybersecurity subcommittee this week that Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord is leading an effort to move...