Defense

How DOD plans to make working with emerging tech companies easier

Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Radha Plumb said the Pentagon is trying “to be less hard to work with” when it comes to engaging with the commercial sector.

Cybersecurity

NYPD officer database had security flaws that could have let hackers covertly modify officer data

The NYPD said no officer data was ever compromised, but it’s unknown how long the vulnerability existed.

Defense

Army plans multiple AI industry partnerships

Leadership from the military branch is interested in incorporating third party-generated algorithms for its operations, and is asking industry players for help.

Cybersecurity

US accuses Russian national of helping deploy malware on Ukrainian government computers

The alleged hacker used U.S. computer infrastructure to distribute the infamous “WhisperGate” malware into Ukrainian systems.

Cybersecurity

DHS cyber hiring program got off on the wrong foot, CIO says, but progress is showing

Ten years after its congressional authorization, the Cybersecurity Talent Management System is closing in on 200 hires.

Digital Government

Supreme Court sides with Biden admin over contact with social media firms

The decision now lifts potential legal burdens on federal agencies’ communications with social media companies about disinformation on their platforms.

Defense

How AI is turning satellite imagery into a window on the future

What can a picture from space tell you? “You're likely to have a drought here that might lead to civil unrest.”

People

DHS hires initial cohort of 10 to join its AI Corps

The Department of Homeland Security’s AI Corps is designed to deploy tech-savvy experts across its operations to drive the adoption of AI capabilities within its various mission areas.

People

Former federal CISO DeRusha joins Google Cloud

He started the position helming the company’s public sector compliance last week, after having led several federal governmentwide cybersecurity initiatives.

Digital Government

House pivots on data privacy bill, removing algorithmic discrimination coverage

The intended final draft of the American Privacy Rights Act includes new language on biometric data and data on minors, but notably removes civil rights protections sought by privacy advocates.

Artificial Intelligence

DHS report details AI’s potential to amplify biological, chemical threats

As artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to intersect with sensitive research efforts, the Department of Homeland Security recommended increased communication and guidance to mitigate dangerous outcomes.

Cybersecurity

CISA infrastructure tool targeted in January breach, agency says

Sensitive information on the chemical security assessment platform was accessed, though it may not be up to date.

Modernization

Lawmakers press VA to report on delays in burn pit registry revamp

An October 2022 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine said VA should “initiate a new phase” of its Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to make it “a user-friendly, efficient and effective resource.”

People

DHS wants to go big with its hiring fair this week

The department says it's cutting red tape in government hiring by giving tentative job offers on the spot and starting vetting processes in person.

Exclusive Cybersecurity

A House committee is scrutinizing LiDAR and IoT cyber risks from China

China’s supply chain dominance in light sensing modules and internet of things components — which include autonomous vehicles, drones and batteries — could be teeing up a slew of cyber risks, experts say.

Acquisition

Complaints mount about NITAAC's slow payment plan for CIO-SP4 protests

ANALYSIS | Many of the companies who won protests over the CIO-SP4 contract still have not been reimbursed for their costs and they are not happy about it.

Defense

Pentagon background-check systems at risk of hacking, GAO says

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency didn’t fully implement DOD’s cybersecurity process, a new report finds.

Artificial Intelligence

Bill would require Commerce to launch AI public awareness campaign

The education campaign acts on a proposal included in the Bipartisan Senate AI Working Group’s framework that was released last month.

Cybersecurity

Closeup on an attack: Why rural hospitals need extra cybersecurity help

In addition to weaker cybersecurity protections, another concern is the oversized impact that the loss, even temporarily, of a rural hospital has on the people who live in the area.