Modernization

How Peer-to-Peer Texting Could Play a Role in Disaster and Pandemic Response

RumbleUp, an app previously tapped by Republican campaigns, is now available through FirstNet.

Cybersecurity

House Oversight Lawmaker Wants Apple, Google to Step Up Security on Apps With Foreign Ties

Rep. Stephen Lynch seeks commitments from the tech giants to be more transparent about applications on their stores.

Ideas

Digital Contact Tracing's Mixed Record Abroad Spells Trouble for US Efforts to Rein in COVID-19

Initial enthusiasm for digital contact tracing was sparked by early successes in countries such as South Korea.

Cybersecurity

DHS, NSA Conclude Pilot of Automated Mobile App Security Vetting Tool

While the program still has a ways to go, the team says it now has a way to automate mobile app security testing.

Modernization

VA Launches Digital COVID-19 Screening App for Patients and Employees

The answers can help staff direct individuals to the appropriate parts of the facility or if needed, additional screening.

Ideas

Balancing Public Health, Privacy and Security: A Guide to Contact Tracing

In reality, it is unlikely that people will elect to give up bits of their privacy.

Ideas

Contact-Tracing Apps: Apple Dictating Policies to Nations Won't Help Its EU Anti-trust Probe

Apple’s approach arguably fits a wider narrative about the company being heavy-handed in determining what apps are allowed on iPhones.

Ideas

Domestic Abusers Use Tech that Connects as a Weapon During Coronavirus Lockdowns

Left unchecked, violence against women and girls can increase in frequency and severity and damage victims’ physical and mental health. I

Cybersecurity

Pentagon Wants to Scale Up Its Device Security Program

The Comply-to-Connect program ensures devices connecting to military networks have baseline security without needing to install endpoint management apps.

Modernization

FCC Proposes $225 Million Fine for Telemarketers Behind Massive Robocall Operation

The automated calls misled those who answered into thinking they were from major health insurance providers.

Ideas

The Case for Using Commercial Tools to Allow Classified Telework

Programs like the National Security Agency’s Commercial Solutions for Classified could be a path to transmit classified information without specialized hardware.

Ideas

Technology for the Next Phase of Pandemic

Moving to later stages of reopening will require advancements in two areas, standardization of care and robust contact tracing.

Digital Government

Survey: Americans Trust Big Tech Over Government in Contact Tracing

More than 75% of Americans feel their privacy is at risk due to measures being taken to combat COVID-19.

Cybersecurity

Contact Tracers Don’t Need Your Social Security Number or Bank Info, FTC Warns

A new text scam uses coronavirus-response efforts as cover to pump victims for financial information.

Cybersecurity

Iran Is Increasing Its Military and Cyber Activity, Report Says

After a big drop in April, Iran’s conventional military activity is up. Cyber operations never slowed down.

Cybersecurity

Government Absence Leaves Big Tech to Steer Privacy for Contact Tracing Apps

Agency CISOs will have to weigh the ramifications of apps that could combine health and location data of federal employees, a security professional said.

Digital Government

House Lawmakers Press HHS Secretary for Details on Contact Tracing Programs

States are turning to smartphone apps and other digital tools that could compromise privacy, the lawmakers wrote. 

Ideas

How South Korea Flattened the Coronavirus Curve with Technology

Two measures were critical in the country’s ability to flatten the curve: extensive testing for the disease and a national system for promptly and effectively tracking people infected with COVID-19.

Emerging Tech

COVID-19 Contact Tracing App Uses Bluetooth 'Garbage'

To work best, the app requires many people to use it, whether they have had COVID-19 or not.