Cybersecurity
Foreign Hackers Cripple Texas County’s Email System, Raising Election Security Concerns
The malware attack, which sent fake email replies to voters and businesses, spotlights an overlooked vulnerability in counties that don’t follow best practices for computer security.
Cybersecurity
Industry Groups Ask Lawmakers to Remove Core Cybersecurity Provisions from NDAA
The trade associations for various government contractors are also opposing a range of oversight proposals in the annual defense bill, including ones aimed at enhancing procurement value and reducing unfair labor practices.
Digital Government
COVID-19 Exposes Need to Modernize U.S. Public Health Data System, Experts Say
Federal agencies should develop clear standards for data sharing on cross-cutting issues in order to understand the pandemic better.
Modernization
VA, NARA Complete Digitization Effort to Help Speed Up Disability Claims for Some Veterans
Records that fill 29,000 boxes will now be used to validate service-connected disability benefits claims for veterans exposed to toxins like Agent Orange in waters near Vietnam.
Digital Government
Air Force Wants Novel Ideas for Building ‘Data Scientist’s Ecosystems’ at Operations Centers
The Air Force Research Lab wants tools, techniques and innovative ideas for shortening the OODA Loop.
Digital Government
Here Are the Major Differences Between Trump and Biden on Tech Issues
President Trump favors reducing government hurdles to usher in technology while rival Joe Biden favors an active government role in partnering with industry, according to a report.
Ideas
A Language Generation Program's Ability to Write Articles, Produce Code and Compose Poetry Has Wowed Scientists
GPT-3 confirms what computer scientists have known for decades: Size matters.
Ideas
Women Equal Men in Computing Skill, but Are Less Confident
Women in STEM careers remains around 24% even though women make up almost 50% of the overall workforce.
Cybersecurity
Defense Department Certification Body Could Itself Conduct Audits Under Interim Rule
One lawyer notes continued confusion surrounding legal liability in the case of disputed assessments.
Digital Government
Lawmakers: Did DHS Surveil Portland Protesters’ Phones?
Lawmakers want to know if federal agencies intercepted messages or collected cellphone data—including through commercial sources—during Portland protests.
Cybersecurity
Foreign Hacker Sentenced in $1M Scam Targeting Federal Employees and Contractors
The criminal ring used phishing emails and fake websites to get almost $1 million worth of printer toner to sell on black markets.
Emerging Tech
U.S., Greece Formally Agree to Collaborate on Science and Technology
The nations hope to promote research and development activities across their collective agencies, universities, institutions, and private sector businesses.
Ideas
How Nontraditional Hires Can Fill the Tech Talent Gap
Individuals with a high emotional intelligence, creativity and problem-solving skills can be well-suited to IT roles.
Cybersecurity
Hackers Take Data for Further Reconnaissance in Breach of Federal Agency
Initial access to the agency’s system was possibly due to failure to fix a known VPN vulnerability, a patch for which was released in April 2019.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Propose $1M to Examine How Mis- And Disinformation Impacted COVID-19 Response
In particular, they’d like to know more about foreign and domestic sources propagating false information.
Ideas
Addressing Insider Threats with Event Triggers
An insider threat program that incorporates financial triggers can help identify at-risk individuals.
Cybersecurity
FBI Director: Feeding DOD’s Cyber Offense Operations Is Crucial to New Strategy
Senator says legislation is moving forward to thwart intellectual property theft from China and defend federal networks from cyberattacks.
Digital Government
Federal Chief Data Officers Need More Resources, Well-Defined Role, Survey Says
The Foundations for Evidence Based Policymaking Act required agencies to install chief data officers. But what exactly that role should look like remains an open question.
Artificial Intelligence
CIA’s New Innovation Lab Could Mean Big Paydays for Federal Scientists
The agency is investing in cutting-edge technology and offering officials a chance to profit off their developments.
Cybersecurity