Cybersecurity

Paris attacks revive 'going dark' concerns

The terrorist attacks in Paris have rekindled a debate in the United States about law enforcement access to end-to-end encryption on mobile devices.

Cybersecurity

Computer Scientists in Short Supply at FBI, Watchdog Warns

Cyber teams at five FBI field offices across the country don't have a single computer scientist on staff.

Cybersecurity

What does Tor's allegation against the FBI mean for computer research?

The Web anonymity service's allegation that the FBI paid researchers to unmask Tor users has alarmed some cryptographers and raises questions about the collaborative relationship between law enforcement and security researchers.

Digital Government

FBI wants justice data exchange help

The FBI needs help storing and disseminating the vast amount of data generated by the U.S. criminal justice system while improving the way data is shared at all levels of law enforcement.

Cybersecurity

You Only Need One Password to Access the Allegedly Hacked Law Enforcement Databases

Users can access a number of homeland security and law enforcement databases from a single website with a single password.

Digital Government

How Much Is Encryption Worth to the Economy?

With strong, ubiquitous encryption under fire, a new research paper tries to assess the economic benefits of encryption.

Emerging Tech

Justice Department Wants Anti-Drone Systems for Prisons

Unmanned air vehicles "have presented a new and evolving threat" for federal prison facilities.

Emerging Tech

The FBI Just Got 'Hyperconverged' for $28 Million

The new unclassified virtual desktop infrastructure will support 55,000 users.

Cybersecurity

Grassley tries to revive 'going dark' legislative fix

The Obama administration may have shelved a legislative plan to force firms to decrypt communications, but Iowa Republican Sen. Charles Grassley is not having it.

Digital Government

FBI: ‘Dozens’ of Terror Suspects Have Used Encryption to Hide from Law Enforcement

“I’m surprised if it is only a couple dozen people,” says Senate Homeland Security Chairman Ron Johnson.

Cybersecurity

Are our ports protected from cyber pirates?

The Coast Guard looks to get ports and shipping companies talking about the inevitable cyber threats they face.

Digital Government

Former Intelligence Director: Law Enforcement Must 'Adapt' to Encryption

Mike McConnell, who has served as NSA Director and director of national intelligence, continues his new crusade for strong encryption.

Digital Government

FBI: Weaker Encryption Is a Worthwhile Tradeoff for Law Enforcement Access to Data

Government officials sparred with privacy advocates over encryption, but acknowledged that “back doors” come with risks of intrusion.

Cybersecurity

FBI and DHS Warn of Security Risks from the Internet of Things

Wearables, thermostats and insulin dispensers and other everyday objects are not hack proof.

Emerging Tech

No Touching: Agencies Could Soon Collect Fingerprints from Hand Waves

"Contactless fingerprinting" is seen as more hygienic than ink and paper or computer pads.

Digital Government

The FBI’s Charm Offensive on Encryption

“The FBI is not an alien force imposed on the American people,” the agency’s director says, as feds clash with Silicon Valley over encryption standards.

Cybersecurity

Intelligence Chief: OPM Hack Was Not a ‘Cyberattack’

The intrusion of OPM networks did not involve the destruction or manipulation of data.

Modernization

FBI Wants to use Mobile Devices to Collect Biometrics

In an Aug. 3 draft Request for Quotations, the bureau devoted 43 pages to detailing its wide array of requirements for a mobile biometric app able to collect biometrics via an agent’s smartphone.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Probe FBI’s ‘Disturbing’ Use of Spy Planes

The FBI has reportedly been using planes equipped with high-tech cameras and cell-phone tracking technology.