Artificial Intelligence

The Crazy Government Research Projects You Might've Missed in 2019

Self-aware artificial intelligence, biology-based computers and “smart” surveillance are just a few.

Cybersecurity

CISA Wants a Vulnerability Disclosure Program At Every Agency

The agency released a draft binding operational directive that would require all civilian agencies to receive and resolve vulnerabilities identified by public security researchers.

Artificial Intelligence

The Pentagon's AI Center Needs a Cloud Integrator

Selected vendors would help the Joint AI Center deploy its main development platform in the cloud.

Cybersecurity

Auditors Uncover Tens of Thousands of Critical Security Gaps At Energy Facilities

The review, which included locations operated by the National Nuclear Security Administration, revealed multiple cybersecurity weaknesses recurring year after year.

Digital Government

DHS Leadership Turnover Extends Beyond Secretary’s Office

The rotating cast of officials in top tech and cyber jobs could hinder the department’s ability to develop and execute a consistent digital strategy.

Digital Government

White House Builds Out Science and Tech Office

The Trump administration has been slow to fill positions in its tech policy apparatus.

Cybersecurity

What to Expect from Congress’ Cyber Strategy Brain Trust 

The Cyberspace Solarium Commission aims to have policy recommendations ready to plug into the next defense authorization bill, Co-Chairman Rep. Mike Gallagher said.

Cybersecurity

Senate Committee Approves $250 Million to Fund the Electric Grid Security

The PROTECT Act would create a federal grant program to help small utility companies improve their digital defenses.

Cybersecurity

Too Many CISOs Delay Cyber Response, DHS Official Says

The overabundance of federal cybersecurity leaders is inhibiting the government’s ability to rapidly respond to threats, according to Mark Bristow.

Cybersecurity

VA Released Millions of People's Personal Data Despite Known Risks

The agency stopped redacting personally identifiable information in claims requested under the Privacy Act, even though officials knew the policy could leave millions of people vulnerable to identity theft.

Cybersecurity

Spy Agencies Stopped Collecting GPS, Phone Location Data Last Year

The decision came in the wake of a Supreme Court decision restricting law enforcement’s use of such information.

Emerging Tech

Lawmakers Propose Bill Limiting Government's Use of Facial Recognition

The legislation would require law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before conducting facial recognition surveillance.

Cybersecurity

DHS Cyber Monitoring Program Is Shedding Light on Agencies’ Shadow IT

Before using tools provided under the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program, agencies only knew about four of every seven devices that connected to their networks, according to program manager Kevin Cox.

Cybersecurity

CISA Wants Feedback on Its Vulnerability Assessments

The agency is looking to improve a program that lets critical infrastructure operators measure their digital security and see how they stack up against their counterparts.

Modernization

State Wants to Recruit More Young, Diverse IT Pros

The Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship Program would offer 15 students mentoring, financial aid and guaranteed employment.

Cybersecurity

Supply Chain Security Requires Acquisition Reform, Security Experts Say

To secure the government’s IT ecosystem, agencies must better understand their tech, the vendors who built it, and those companies’ suppliers.

Emerging Tech

Don’t Rush Quantum-Proof Encryption, Warns NSA Research Director 

Quantum computers could crack the codes that secure the world’s digital information but racing to a solution could create more threats, according to Dr. Deborah Frincke.

Cybersecurity

Report: Cyber Workforce Must Grow 145% to Meet Global Demand

In the U.S., there are only enough cybersecurity pros to fill about 60% of the available jobs, according to industry researchers.

Artificial Intelligence

DISA Previews Big Tech Opportunities for 2020

The Pentagon’s IT shop released a list of next year’s contracting opportunities, including 12 worth more than $100 million.

Digital Government

Senate Lawmakers Want to Pop Social Media Filter Bubbles

A newly proposed bill would require large social media companies to give users the chance to opt out of algorithmically curated content.