Defense bill addresses secure phones, AI training, cyber troop mental health

A compromise fiscal 2026 NDAA includes wide-ranging cybersecurity measures: requiring secure wireless phones for senior leaders, updating mandatory training to address AI-related cyber risks, deploying cleared behavioral health specialists to U.S. Cyber Command and the Cyber Mission Force, prohibiting efforts to diminish CYBERCOM’s authorities or split it from NSA, harmonizing cybersecurity requirements for defense contractors, and establishing a policy opposing the misuse and export of commercial spyware—collectively signaling Congress’s priorities for strengthening DoD cyber readiness and governance.