Emerging Tech

Emerging technologies star in White House R&D priorities

The Office of Science and Technology Policy released the fiscal 2025 federal research priority docket, focusing on a resilient U.S. research culture. 

Cybersecurity

New CISA guidance looks to guard against supply chain hacks

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency advocates constant communication and education as cyber threat mitigative measures.

Digital Government

CFPB helms multi-agency effort to scrutinize sale of Americans’ data

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission are teaming up to investigate long-awaited regulatory steps into the sale of Americans’ data by third party companies. 

Cybersecurity

New bill aims to address private sector cyber risks to FEMA operations

A proposed amendment to the Homeland Security Act would task FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to work with private entities to ensure digital risks to agency operations are mitigated. 

Modernization

NOAA upgrades weather forecasting supercomputers

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will be able to make more accurate weather forecasts with upgrades to computer systems deployed in Virginia and Arizona. 

Cybersecurity

House committee asks FCC for more action on IoT device security

A letter from the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party asks the FCC for investigations into Chinese-linked connectivity modules as the agency launches its IoT cyber labeling program.

Cybersecurity

Biden orders greater restrictions on emerging technology transactions with China 

The new executive order updating the sanctions regime between U.S. citizens and China is a “national security action,” according to an administration official.

Artificial Intelligence

White House and DARPA challenge innovators to bring AI tools to cyber defense

The AI Cyber Challenge asks leading companies to develop advanced AI systems that will contribute to critical infrastructure cybersecurity — with nearly $20 million available in prizes.

Cybersecurity

Updated NIST cyber framework focuses on on governance

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking public feedback on its revamped Cybersecurity Framework, which includes guidance on operationalizing cyber best practices.

Emerging Tech

Lawrence Livermore researchers achieve fusion ignition for a second time

After a groundbreaking success in generating fusion ignition in December 2022, researchers repeated the victory in late July and will publish results soon.

Cybersecurity

CISA unveils plan to measure cybersecurity success

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's 2024-2026 cybersecurity roadmap  focuses on public-private partnerships and using metrics to gauge the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures.

Artificial Intelligence

NSF aims to drive democratization of AI with its funding

The National Science Foundation is working to expand artificial intelligence research and access to make the technology more equitable and to build a strong public research infrastructure. 

Cybersecurity

CISA, Five Eyes cyber advisory lists common vulnerabilities among 2022’s top exploits 

Several federal and international agencies listed bugs detected across private networks, encouraging greater adherence to Secure By Design principles. 

Artificial Intelligence

Tech officials caution on data security in public sector AI applications

A group of tech policy leads across federal agencies discussed the current and future state of play of artificial intelligence in government systems.

Digital Government

GSA seeks a better way to reach higher education for federal challenges

The General Services Administration wants to know where to reach university-affiliated students and faculty to participate in national requests.

Cybersecurity

White House releases strategy to expand the U.S. cyber workforce

The plan includes measures for improving cybersecurity knowledge at all levels of education and improving how the federal government attracts, hires and pays cybersecurity workers.

Cybersecurity

The world is ‘reentering an era of strategic competition’ with cyber, official says

Cyberspace Ambassador Nathaniel Fick argued that the U.S. needs to be able to provide cybersecurity assistance to allies in a way that incorporates emerging technologies.

Artificial Intelligence

Scaling and talent development dominate Senate’s AI-focused NDAA amendments

The upper chamber’s draft of the NDAA looks to regulate and incorporate AI systems in federal operations, broadly helmed by a team of bipartisan senators.

Policy

Defense and Commerce team up to support semiconductor investments

The two federal agencies signed a memorandum of agreement to exchange information on programs outlined under the CHIPS for America Act.

Cybersecurity

SEC announces new cyber reporting rules for companies

After noting the increasing number of cyberattacks on U.S. networks, the SEC is asking company leadership for quick cyber incident disclosures and more documentation.