Digital Government

CBP Approving ‘Potentially High-Risk’ People for Trusted Traveler Program 

The Homeland Security Department Inspector General found officers aren’t properly vetting applicants for the Global Entry program or checking their status at ports of entry.

Artificial Intelligence

AI, Cyber Get Big Boost in Senate-Passed NDAA

The legislation would free up some $600 million for AI and cyber research, lock down the federal supply chain and prep the Pentagon for the cloud.

Artificial Intelligence

Spy Agencies Turn to AI to Stay Ahead of Adversaries

In a world where everyone can collect data on everything, speedy analysis could make or break U.S. national security, a top intelligence official says.

Cybersecurity

Report: Code Responsible for Equifax Breach Downloaded 21 Million Times Last Year

The situation highlights the challenge of securing open source software, which underlies virtually every IT system in government.

Cybersecurity

Agencies Are Leaving Sensitive Data Vulnerable to Hackers, Congress Says

Amid growing threats from China, Iran and Russia, most agencies are struggling to put in place even the most basic cybersecurity measures, according to congressional researchers.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is Too Dumb to Fully Police Online Extremism, Experts Say

Algorithms excel at routine tasks, but understanding a post’s context requires a human touch, former Facebook security chief Alex Stamos told lawmakers.

Modernization

DHS to Move Biometric Data on Hundreds of Millions of People to Amazon Cloud

The department seeks a new platform to identify people using fingerprints, irises and faces, and eventually DNA, palm prints, scars and tattoos.

Cybersecurity

Chinese Drone Manufacturers Pose Huawei-Like Threats, Expert Says

Officials allege the Chinese government is using native drone companies to collect “an unprecedented level” of intelligence on the U.S.

Modernization

More Health IT Isn’t Always Better, Says HHS Digital Service Director

Shannon Sartin and her team are working to cut through convoluted tech and give patients easier access to their data.

Modernization

Agencies Leaning on Citizens to Drive Innovation, Research

The government is increasingly investing in prize competitions, crowdsourcing and other “citizen science” efforts to advance its research, according to the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Artificial Intelligence

Experts Propose Feds Use Sanctions and Cyberweapons to Fight Deepfakes

Both social media companies and the government must play a role in fighting back against hyper-realistic misinformation, experts told the House Intelligence Committee.

Emerging Tech

House Oversight Votes to Secure Connected Devices in Government

The committee approved legislation that would enforce basic security standards for the numerous internet-connected devices used at federal agencies.

Modernization

Congress Questions Leadership of VA Health Record Overhaul

Veterans Affairs officials said their upgraded health record platform will start rolling out in March, but lawmakers worry they might be jumping in too soon.

Cybersecurity

NIST Asks for Input on Building Secure Software

The draft framework is intended to both instruct developers on building safe tech and help IT buyers, like the government, know which companies they can trust.

Cybersecurity

DHS Cyber Incident Response Team Gets House Approval

Lawmakers passed legislation that would stand up a permanent team of cyber specialists to help agency and industry recover from digital attacks.

Artificial Intelligence

Critical Update: Inside DARPA's DARPA

Valerie Browning, director of DARPA’s Defense Sciences Office, discusses self-aware machines, the future of quantum computing and preventing technology surprises.

Cybersecurity

CBP Says Thousands of Traveler Photos Stolen in ‘Malicious Cyber-Attack’

The breach happened at one of the agency’s subcontractors and didn’t involve any data collected under its facial recognition program, officials said.

Cybersecurity

OMB Chief: Contractors Need More Time to Cut Ties With Huawei, ZTE

Without the extension, there could be “a dramatic reduction” in the contractors that can legally do business with the government, according to acting OMB Director Russel Vought.

Emerging Tech

Report: White House Should Promote Blockchain with the Federal Data Strategy

By promoting trust and transparency, the tech could encourage agencies to share more information with one another, according to the Data Foundation and Booz Allen Hamilton.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Want Government to Help Workers Prepare for Automation

Senators introduced a bipartisan bill that would require the Labor Department to analyze the impacts of automation and prepare workers for a tech-driven job market.