This is a much needed project -- the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency wants to demonstrate that it is technically feasible for the Defense Department to determine that the software and firmware shipped on commodity information technology devices is free of broad classes of backdoors and other hidden malicious functionality.
DARPA plans to launch a program dubbed VET, for Vetting Commodity IT Software and Firmware, which will eyeball software in a bunch of everyday gadgets including mobile phones, network routers, printers and computer workstations.
Any outfit with a good VET idea should register by Dec. 7 for a conference scheduled Dec. 12 at the Capital Conference Center, 3601 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Va.
Bob Brewin
Bob Brewin joined Government Executive in April 2007, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience as a journalist focusing on defense issues and technology. Bob covers the world of defense and information technology for Nextgov, and is the author of the “What’s Brewin” blog.
How DHS is Mondernzing Mobile Procurement
Research Report: Powering Continuous Monitoring Through Big Data
Performance Analytics: What It Means for Your Agency
What Big Data Means for TSA & Airport Security
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
By using this service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Nextgov does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.