Digital Government

Census Bureau Must Fix 3,100 Cyber Vulnerabilities Before 2020 Count

The first digital census has suffered from delays and ballooning IT costs, an auditor’s report states.

Emerging Tech

DHS Gives ‘Power Suit’ a Whole New Meaning

The agency wants first responders’ clothing to be able to generate and store electricity.

Modernization

Defense Department Seeks ‘Rapid Cloud Migration’ Ideas for MilCloud

MilCloud 2.0 is about to host a lot more data, and the Defense Department wants ideas for how to get it there faster.  

Cybersecurity

State Department Visa Analysis System Wasn’t Patched or Scanned for Viruses, Audit Finds

Department officials also weren’t tracking who used the system or if they were sharing passwords.

Artificial Intelligence

FBI Looking For Tech to Foil Fingerprint Obliteration

The FBI wants artificial intelligence tools that can ID people with burnt, cut or otherwise altered fingerprints.

Emerging Tech

For First Time in 3 Years, NASA Is Shopping For New Spacecraft

At first, NASA officials didn’t think they’d see anything new in commercial spacecraft this year. Now they’re taking a second look.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Want the Cyber Vulnerabilities Register Improved

Irregular funding has forced the vulnerability database to focus on short-term problems, they say.

Modernization

Potential Merger Isn’t Slowing Education’s IT Modernization Plans

Officials said looking at technology should be a first step in merging agencies but those discussions can’t start without a mandate.

Modernization

Lawmaker: Don’t Let “Rudderless Leadership” Cripple VA Health Record Overhaul

The program’s chief administrator resigned less than two months after taking charge of the project. Another top official left her post days earlier.

Modernization

Federal CIO: Expect New Cybersecurity Reporting Metrics by Year’s End

The new guidance will better match the goals outlined in the administration’s IT Modernization Report and the President’s Management Agenda.

Emerging Tech

Austin, Texas, Just Became the U.S. Army’s Silicon Valley

The service is making a big bet that getting closer to tech startups will help deter future adversaries.

Cybersecurity

McCain Leaves a Rich Cyber Legacy

The late senator pushed relentlessly for the government to develop a comprehensive cyber deterrence strategy.  

Digital Government

How Mobile Data Could Help Manage the National Parks

The data could be used to create better park experiences despite overcrowding.

Artificial Intelligence

The Pentagon Wants AI to Take Over the Scientific Process

The project is part of DARPA’s newly launched Artificial Intelligence Exploration program, which aims to develop next-generation artificial intelligence applications.

Emerging Tech

Forest Service Public-Private Partnership Explores Using Drones for Precision Pesticide Application

The group plans to award a sole-source contract to research whether unmanned aerial systems can spray in hard-to-reach places without disrupting nearby sensitive ecosystems.

Cybersecurity

Cyber Firm Defends DNC Hacking Alert That Turned Out to be a False Alarm

Fast responses to cyber threats and perfect accuracy don’t always go hand in hand, a cyber pro who worked on the alleged DNC hacking attempt says.