Cybersecurity

NSA's cyber wing looks to safeguard COVID research and expand outreach

The spy agency's deputy director said its new cyber directorate is focused on protecting vaccine research from hackers and supporting activities that help get Americans back to work.

Modernization

Could personnel swaps help solve DOD's AI talent problem?

Talent and training are some of the biggest challenges in artificial intelligence strategy. But what can DOD workers learn from if they embed with private companies?

Modernization

NSA warns Russian hackers exploited email flaw

Russian hackers have compromised a longstanding vulnerability in a widely used email delivery software program at least since August of last year, according to an advisory from the National Security Agency.

People

Pentagon readies reopening plan

The Defense Department is planning to shift from pandemic footing to more normal operations, and is using White House issued criteria on declines in reported symptoms, declines in new cases and hospital access to determine when restrictions will be lifted.

Modernization

NTIA backs Pentagon on Ligado 5G license

The Commerce Department is asking the Federal Communications Commission to reverse a plan to permit a commercial 5G provider to set up shop in spectrum adjacent to the global positioning system.

Modernization

Pentagon's AI chief: lack of enterprise cloud 'has slowed us down'

The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center has been hampered by enterprise cloud program delays, but is pivoting with the Air Force's help.

Cybersecurity

Pandemic duties for National Guard include cyber help

The Maryland National Guard is doing its part to help hospitals and local government detect and deflect malicious online activity during the pandemic.

Digital Government

Army eyes Kessel Run model to boost software capabilities

The Army's chief technology officer, William Robinson, said the service is planning to emulate the Air Force's model to improve computing at the edge.

Modernization

DOD taps Alliant 2 for AI

The Defense Department used one of the General Services Administration's government wide contracts to get AI for future warfighting capabilities.

Digital Government

COVID-19 constraints delay needed CMMC rule change

Social distancing requirements have delayed the public hearing needed for a rule change to enforce new cybersecurity standards for contractors.

Acquisition

DIU chief: Earnings focus thwarts innovation

The head of DOD's Defense Innovation Unit suggested that any technology race with China commands a dramatic shift in U.S. market strategies.

Modernization

DISA wants to scale web-browsing protection pilot

The Defense Information Systems Agency has expanded use of a web-browsing pilot that protects DOD’s networks via cloud-based internet isolation. Production is expected to begin this summer.

Acquisition

Cyber and other transaction agreements

Other transaction agreements will be subject to the Defense Department’s unified cybersecurity standard, according to Katie Arrington, DOD’s chief information security officer for acquisition.

Acquisition

HASC chairman: DOD doesn't need more stimulus money

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the House Armed Services Committee chairman, said the Defense Department doesn't need any more money from a future coronavirus stimulus bill.

Modernization

Opening up DOD's AI black box

As algorithms and other AI tools become more prominent to military operations, researchers are studying better ways to visualize and communicate their decision-making.

People

GOP lawmakers seek limits on foreign TSP investments

A House bill lands as a veterans group steps up efforts to lobby the military and the White House against investment in Chinese defense firms.

People

Pentagon plans to test all troops for COVID-19

Gen. John Hyten, vice chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said testing the entire force, including National Guard and Reserves, would take until summertime.

Cybersecurity

Solarium co-chair pushes defense bill as vehicle for implementation

Even with the coronavirus outbreak dominating policymakers' attention, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) said he was "pretty optimistic" that as much as 30% of the recommendations can be included in the upcoming defense authorization bill.

Modernization

Navy CIO: Future networks hinge on flexible acquisitions now

Navy CIO Aaron Weis wants to rebuild the service's network architecture to look and function more like industry, but acquisition culture and structure slow progress.

Modernization

Marines to divest legacy weapons for tech-oriented future

The Marine Corps is willing to swap out tanks and cannons for a better, more agile, cloud based network available in the most remote environments.