Emerging Tech

DOD unveils new biodefense-focused supercomputer 

The new system is part of a collaboration with the Department of Energy-sponsored Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Officials urge a quick start migrating to post-quantum encryption

Biden administration officials on Tuesday emphasized the need for entities to start network migration efforts as encryption algorithms are now ready for implementation.

NIST debuts first post-quantum cryptography algorithms

The first post-quantum cryptographic algorithms were officially released today, with more to come from ongoing public-private sector collaborations.

Navy still bullish on lasers but widely-deployed directed-energy ship defense remains years away

Quest gains urgency as enemy drones and missiles get better, cheaper, and more widely used.

VA launches new platform to help veterans identify and report scams

Scammers have increasingly targeted veterans and their beneficiaries, particularly after the PACT Act expanded benefits and health services for retired service members.

The Pentagon’s IT agency looks to expand cloud offshore

The agency has been expanding services outside the continental U.S. while reworking tools to ease data access.

Pentagon planning huge experiment for its connect-everything concept

“We see significant progress,” in opening up DOD data, one observer said. But a bigger, multinational test is coming.

Exclusive

U.S. quantum cryptography standards set for release next week

NIST’s flagship post-quantum cryptography guidance that would help protect against decryption capabilities enabled by quantum computers aimed for release the week of Aug. 12.

New bill pushes VA to examine how blockchain can enhance its work

Legislation from Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., would require VA to explore the benefits and risks of using distributed ledger technology.

White House roadmap looks to guide emerging tech standardization

The Biden administration unveiled a to-do list for federal agencies developing standards for cutting-edge technologies, focusing on external communications.

NASA’s astronauts return after a year living on simulated Mars

Everything about the mission was conducted to simulate an actual Martian environment.

Diverting TSA funds harms deployment of new tech, lawmakers warn

A bill to keep all 9/11 security fee collections at TSA would help the agency more quickly deploy facial recognition capabilities, but its supporters say privacy still needs to be prioritized.

Veterans Health Administration creates new office to streamline tech initiatives

The Veterans Health Administration has combined a number of its existing programs into one office to serve as the agency’s “central coordinator of digital health strategy and execution.”

Quantum sensors show how physics-based tech is yielding federal advances

True quantum computers are a long way off. But their lesser known cousins — quantum sensors — are already paying dividends in the federal scientific communities.

Biden administration announces new investments in fusion energy

Officials unveiled new steps in the government’s fusion energy growth plan, which emphasizes public-private partnerships and the development of a fusion pilot power plant in the 2040s.

Bipartisan House bill seeks to reauthorize federal counter-drone authority

A proposal to extend the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice’s authority to mitigate threats from unmanned aircraft systems would also grant new counter-drone abilities to the FAA.

NSF releases new framework for ensuring security in scientific research

The National Science Foundation will test the TRUST framework for its capacity to evaluate the potential risks of emerging tech research projects against national security needs.