Cybersecurity
FBI: Ransomware Attackers Have Code to Halt Critical Infrastructure
Monitoring remote access technology will be especially important for limiting the reach of malicious actors, allied cybersecurity agencies said in a report on trends they’ve observed over the last year in a booming ransomware industry.
Modernization
VA Leadership to Be ‘Very Transparent’ on Healthcare and Other IT Initiatives
Assistant secretary for Information and Technology Kurt DelBene discussed upcoming projections and goals within Veterans’ Affairs.
Modernization
DOD's Commercial IT Innovation Hub to Deploy Google Secure Cloud Offering
The solution embraces zero trust principles, officials said.
Artificial Intelligence
AI Algorithms Could Rapidly Deploy to the Battlefield Under New Initiative
The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center’s director shed new light on its AI and Data Accelerator this week.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers Call for End to Government’s Use of Facial Recognition Tech
The request specifically calls out “dangers” in multiple federal agencies operating Clearview AI’s facial recognition technology.
Emerging Tech
Cryptocurrencies Facilitate an Already Murky Human Trafficking Problem
A House committee hearing spotlit the problematic combination of the usage of virtual currencies and a lack of data surrounding human trafficking in the U.S.
Cybersecurity
Senators Relaunch Cybersecurity Bills Following log4j Concerns
The new package bill was introduced amid calls for increased government support of open-source software development.
Modernization
Legislation to Expand Federal Contracting Opportunities Reaches President’s Desk
The legislation aims to improve government contracting opportunities for small businesses but could have a major impact on governmentwide procurement.
Emerging Tech
Researchers Develop Chemical Agent-Resistant Coatings for Military Equipment
Multiple entities are supporting this ongoing effort driving paintable protection.
Cybersecurity
Former CMMC Lead Resigns Amid Legal Drama
Katie Arrington, who was previously the chief information security officer for acquisition and sustainment, has resigned from her post.
Cybersecurity
IRS Suggests Need to Disclose Crypto Exchange Information to Law Enforcement
A letter the tax bureau sent to a key senator says stronger penalties for failure to report cryptocurrency-based income gains might also help deter cyber criminals.
Artificial Intelligence
FDA’s Modernization to Focus on Agency Mission and People
The agency's acting CTO Sohail Chaudhry said FDA plans to implement machine learning tools that require minimal training.
Cybersecurity
NIST Suggests Agencies Accept the Word of Software Producers Per Executive Order
The standards agency said an attestation from vendors themselves would be sufficient when screening for cybersecurity, unless an agency's risk calculus suggests otherwise.
Cybersecurity
New Cyber Safety Board Pivots to Tackle log4j Vulnerabilities
The DHS body’s primary focus will be on addressing vulnerabilities in the commonly used log4j software library, but will also incorporate findings on the ‘SolarWinds’ hack.
Emerging Tech
Air Force Commits Millions to Demonstrate ‘Space Internet’
Constellations of spacecraft spanning different orbits would be explored to provide connectivity.
Cybersecurity
Supply Chain Security Training and FISMA Overhaul Bills Clear House Committee
The committee chair highlighted a need for incident reporting and other requirements for federal contractors.
Artificial Intelligence
DOD Debuts Office to Help It 'Move Faster' on Artificial Intelligence
Officials provided an update on their nascent work to synchronize AI efforts across the CDO, JAIC and DDS.
Cybersecurity
Security Specialists: Microsoft’s Discounted Logging Offering Warrants Scrutiny
The log management tool Microsoft is marketing as a way for agencies to fulfill administration requirements for network visibility could contribute to a risky ‘monoculture,’ according to cybersecurity professionals.
Modernization
AT&T Completes First 5G Demonstration for ‘Smart Warehouse’ Effort
The work continues to unfold, even in the face of supply chain strains.
Emerging Tech