Modernization

Microsoft Upgrades Classified Cloud Offering

Microsoft achieved a provisional authorization to host Defense Department data classified as secret.

Cybersecurity

Coronavirus Will Not Delay Pentagon’s Contractor Cybersecurity Program, Official Says

The Defense Department signed an agreement with an accreditation body for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification.

Emerging Tech

ICE Wants to Connect Its Facial Recognition System With a Pennsylvania County’s Gang Intel App

Immigration and Customs Enforcement wants to develop an offshoot of Lehigh County’s Gang Intelligence App over the next year.

Ideas

Amid Coronavirus, CISA and NIST Issue Guidelines to Boost Federal Telecommuting

Hackers are taking advantage of the telecommuting chaos to launch attacks across the spectrum.

Emerging Tech

White House Releases National Strategy for 5G Security

The strategy focuses on four lines of effort and will guide how the government approaches 5G for the near future.

Cybersecurity

Defense Agency Renews Antivirus Software Subscription for Workers’ Home Use

The one-year license excludes contractors from a crucial factor in secure “maximum telework.”

Modernization

Agencies Have Spent More Than $300M In Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak

Federal buyers spent more than $4.8 million on hand sanitizer alone in the last two months.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence in Action

Federal agencies are laying the groundwork now for how artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation may change their operations in not-so-distant future.

Policy

How the Federal Tech Community Is Coping With COVID-19

“The IT leaders in the federal community, our contractor partners and our vendors are stepping up in incredible ways,” Federal Chief Information Officer Suzette Kent said.

Modernization

Amazon: Pentagon Trying to ‘Gerrymander’ JEDI Corrective Action

Amazon Web Services said the Pentagon’s plan to fix the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure cloud contract is not enough. 

Emerging Tech

Trump Administration Wants to Know What COVID-19 Tech From China Should Be Exempt From Tariffs

The administration has already lifted tariffs on 200 medical-care products from China in response to the coronavirus outbreak but wants to know what more is needed.

Cybersecurity

NIST Offers 8 Ways Agencies Can Use Its Cybersecurity Framework

One approach involves getting a better sense of potential contractors’ cybersecurity posture.

Artificial Intelligence

CDC Launches COVID-19 Bot to Help You Decide If You Need to See a Doctor

The Coronavirus Self-Checker, a Microsoft-powered health care tool, was built to alleviate some of the initial screening strains health care providers are experiencing.

Cybersecurity

FTC Warns of New Coronavirus-Oriented Scams

The agency has updated its list of hacking and other tactics that prey on the generous and the needy in times of crisis.

Cybersecurity

Regulators Say Maritime Industry’s Pandemic Plans Can Skip Cybersecurity Details

The Coast Guard stresses new guidance adds flexibility for compliance with existing security planning requirements.