Modernization
State Department Still Struggling With 5-Year-Old Recommendations to Fix IT Management Issues
The agency is doing better about reporting through its internal system but six of seven outstanding issues remain a concern for the inspector general.
Emerging Tech
State to Supply Costa Rican Police With Drones to Crack Down on Drug Trade
The program would start with eight small UAS, with plans to increase the number to 40 or more if successful.
Emerging Tech
State Wants Better Bots and Processes For Its Help Desk
The Consolidated Customer Support office already manages eight bots, but an ongoing project requires more user-centric automation.
Cybersecurity
Agencies Unveil Plans to Fight Ransomware—Including Paying for Tips
The State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information about attackers targeting U.S. critical infrastructure.
Cybersecurity
Key State Department Systems ‘Require Management Attention,' IG Says
The inspector general found multiple expired authorizations to operate.
Cybersecurity
Justice Took Down Two Domains Used in USAID Hack
The action demonstrates the department’s authorities beyond attributing malicious cyber activity.
Cybersecurity
Russia’s Latest Hack Shows How Useful ‘Criminal Groups’ Are to the Kremlin
Russian coders have little choice but to work with their government, which in turn denies any knowledge of their activities. That’s why hacking activity shows no sign of slowing.
Cybersecurity
State Department Needs a Tool to Scan Its Worldwide Network for Vulnerabilities
The department is exploring a “lifecycle refresh” for its Enterprise Vulnerability Scanning Solution program.
Artificial Intelligence
How State’s Disinformation-Fighting Arm Uses Artificial Intelligence
A federal team is curbing disruptive online activities with innovative technologies.
Modernization
State Department Floats $4B Vehicle to Consolidate Its IT Contracts
The new contract vehicle will also shift the agency’s strategy to focus on fixing problems instead of buying tech.
Cybersecurity
The Hack Roundup: State Department Cyber Office Clears Committee Amid Push for International Norms
Here are the news and updates you might have missed.
Cybersecurity
CISA Chief Says the Agency’s Global Initiative Is to Support the State Department
International cybersecurity work of both the State and Homeland Security departments will rely on support from Congress.
Modernization
State Department Wants a Small Business to Manage Its Cloud Office
The vendor will support the relatively new Cloud Program Management Office.
Cybersecurity
State’s New Cyber Office Brings Up Questions About Agency Roles
The House Homeland Security Chair and new Cybersecurity subcommittee leader say any cyber diplomacy should also tap CISA’s expertise.
Cybersecurity
The Hack Roundup: CISA Official Says 30% of Victims Didn’t Use SolarWinds
Here are the news and updates you may have missed.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Criticize State Department’s ‘Misguided Cyberspace Reorganization’
A bipartisan group of four lawmakers said the State Department’s proposed realignment would only serve to reinforce existing silos.
Cybersecurity
State Department Approves Creation of Cyber Bureau
The Cyberspace Security and Emerging Technologies Bureau will address national security- and diplomatic-related tech issues.
Digital Government
State Selects First Permanent Chief Data Officer
Matthew Graviss previously served as USCIS’ first CDO and will report to Janice deGarmo, who was recently promoted at State.
Ideas
Scientists Suggest U.S. Embassies Were Hit with High-Power Microwaves – Here's How the Weapons Work
The technology behind the suspected weapons is well understood and dates back to the Cold War arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
Cybersecurity
Biden Team Highlights Cybersecurity Focus With First Cabinet Picks
Familiar faces will likely have to revisit efforts around information sharing and establishing global norms.
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