Cybersecurity
Protection from Ransomware Attacks Isn’t as Simple as Insurance
In the wake of high-profile ransomware attacks, local governments are looking to cyber insurance to mitigate risk. But not all policies are equal and merit close scrutiny, experts say.
Emerging Tech
Local Law Enforcement Should Be Able to Protect Airports From Drones, Report Says
To address security risks, a task force recommends that Congress authorize local law enforcement to take down drones flown too close to airports.
Policy
States Can Craft Own Net Neutrality Rules, Appeals Court Rules
A federal appeals court upheld much of the FCC’s rollback of net neutrality rules but found that the commission overstepped its authority when it blocked states from enacting their own internet regulations.
Ideas
The Problem With the State-Level Investigation of Google
The probe may do more for the attorneys general than for the public they’re supposed to protect.
Cybersecurity
For latest election security moves, the devil is in the details
While new federal dollars for election security are welcome, experts caution that more money might be required and more direction is needed on how to spend the money in the form of new legislation to put smart policy behind congressional outlays.
Artificial Intelligence
States Try to Stop Political Deepfake Videos
State lawmakers are increasingly focused on deceptively edited videos, a pervasive technology that advocates say has the potential to disrupt elections. But are bans constitutional?
Cybersecurity
McConnell Voices Support for $250 Million in Election Security Funds
The bill marks “a great step forward,” but states will need more consistent investment to make long-term improvements, according to CISA Director Chris Krebs.
Emerging Tech
Six U.S. Cities Make the List of Most Surveilled Places in the World
A new report found that CCTV surveillance is increasing in certain areas of the U.S., with one city government watching its citizens from 35,000 cameras.
Cybersecurity
Senate backs $250M in election security grants
With the threat of Russian interference in the 2020 elections looming, lawmakers added fund for states to shore up election infrastructure and improve voting system cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity
Report on Election Security Gains Attention, and a Sharp Rebuke
It showed another kind of election security threat: companies looking to profit from a country on edge about the integrity of its national and local elections.
Digital Government
State Attorneys General Launch Google Antitrust Probe
The investigation of Google’s advertising practices is the latest to target tech companies.
Ideas
What Urban Sprawl Is Really Doing to Your Commute
Urban traffic congestion is growing dramatically, according to a new report. So why aren’t drivers taking longer to get to work?
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Want to Expand DHS' Cyber Monitoring Program to State and Local Governments
Under a forthcoming bill, lawmakers also aim to make it easier for agencies to put the data collected under the program to good use.
Ideas
The Dangers in Smart Cities
Smart cities make for a larger attack footprint, and more potentially devastating results from a breach or hack.
Modernization
Leveraging Technology to Clear Criminal Records
Cook County, Illinois, will automatically expunge low-level convictions for marijuana offenses using software from Code for America.
Emerging Tech
DHS Launches Smart City Sensor Pilot in St. Louis
The outcomes could inform the city’s future procurement decisions.
Modernization
Facebook Expands Tool That Lets Local Governments Send Alerts
The system will offer authorities a way to send targeted notifications about emergencies and other issues to residents.
Cybersecurity
Coordinated Ransomware Attack in Texas Seen as Escalation From Prior Hacks
Twenty-three local governments were attacked over the weekend. The willingness of city governments to pay ransoms may be emboldening opportunistic hackers, security experts warn.
Ideas
How Cities Are Getting Smarter
There isn’t one definition of a smart city technology, but here are places governments are making progress.
Cybersecurity
Fewer Than Half of States Take These Two Election Security Precautions
The Brennan Center for Justice found only 24 states will both have voting systems that create a paper trail and require audits of the 2020 election results.
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