Emerging Tech

CBP Should Halt Expansion of the Biometric Entry-Exit Program, Many Commenters Write

Advocacy groups and the City of Portland wrote the Homeland Security Department urging a full stop on expanding the use of facial recognition technologies. 

Modernization

CISA Releases Draft Use Case For Securing Remote, Mobile and Teleworking Connections

The cybersecurity agency wants feedback on how to secure remote users under the Trusted Internet Connection 3 policy.

Modernization

No Failures in Latest FITARA Scorecard But 5 Agencies Slip

In a first, every agency got an A on at least one metric. But a new column on telecom transition brought several agencies down.

Ideas

How AI Will Help the U.S. to Mars and Beyond

Artificial intelligence and automation will play key roles in ensuring future astronauts on Mars can safely perform their missions.

Policy

Spending Agreement Would Allow 1% Pay Raise, Fails to Ban Schedule F

Provision in the fiscal 2021 omnibus appropriations bill would give feds until the end of next year to repay payroll taxes deferred by the Trump administration from September through December.

Cybersecurity

Massive Hack Roundup: Attorney General Pins Intrusion on Russia

Here are the news and updates you may have missed.

Emerging Tech

Two Years into the Government’s National Quantum Initiative

An Office of Science and Technology Policy official offered a look back on what’s unfolded—and a glimpse into what’s to come.

Emerging Tech

Researchers Sent ‘Smart Fabric’ Capable of Detecting Microscopic Vibrations to Space

The acoustic fabric, which could eventually be used in spacesuits and soldier uniforms, “bridges the physical and digital domains,” officials say. 

Emerging Tech

VA Plans Poop Pilots to Detect COVID-19 Outbreaks at Nursing Homes

The Veterans Affairs Department will test wastewater for early indications of infection among residents, who can then be quarantined to limit the spread to others.

Ideas

Federal Contracting Trends to Expect in 2021

The pandemic has contractors rethinking recruitment and office space.

Cybersecurity

Trump Officials Deliver Plan to Split Up Cyber Command, NSA

An end to the “dual hat” arrangement has been debated for years — but the timing raises questions. The plan requires Milley's certification to move ahead.

Cybersecurity

Massive Hack Roundup: Microsoft Says Breach 'Not Espionage as Usual'

Here are the news and updates you may have missed.

Emerging Tech

The Evolution of Public Health

Driven by a global pandemic, federal agencies stepped up with new strategies and embraced new technical capabilities to combat the coronavirus and meet their missions. 

Emerging Tech

DHS Works to Improve Biometric Scanning of Masked Faces

Almost 600 human volunteers participated in a recent technology evaluation.

Cybersecurity

Amid Massive Hack, Lawmakers Urge Trump to Sign Defense Bill with New Cybersecurity Legislation

As the government scrambles to understand the widening compromise, legislation to shore up the nation’s cyber defenses sits unsigned on the President’s desk.

Cybersecurity

DIU, CISA Team Up to Coordinate Cybersecurity Tech Investments

The Defense and Homeland Security departments agreed to develop cybersecurity technologies for national security applications together.

Cybersecurity

House Committees Launch Investigation into Alleged Russian Hack of Federal Agencies

President-elect Joe Biden also promised to elevate cybersecurity “as an imperative” across government.

Cybersecurity

CISA: SolarWinds Is Not the Only Way Hackers Got Into Networks

The agency also warned that getting attackers out of networks will be complex—especially because they are monitoring IT and cybersecurity employees’ emails.