FCW Insider: Jan 8
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Leveling up Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Cyber Command and streamlining congressional jurisdiction will be among the recommendations issued in an upcoming report from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. Derek B. Johnson previews their report.
U.S. officials and cybersecurity experts are concerned that Iranian reprisals for the killing of Gen. Qassim Suleimani could take the form of attacks on U.S. networks or critical infrastructure. CISA issued preparedness guidance for public and private network operators. Adam Mazmanian has more.
The Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation wants to go all-in on cloud-based financial reporting. Mark Rockwell takes a look.
Quick Hits
*** The White House unveiled new principles on Jan. 7 to guide potential regulation and other oversight of artificial intelligence applications. The draft memorandum, which has a 60-day public comment period, is focused on AI's use outside the federal government, and generally encourages a hands-off approach. Agencies are encouraged to opt for non-regulatory oversight when possible, as "[p]romoting innovation and growth of AI is a high priority of the United States government. Fostering innovation and growth through forbearing from new regulations may be appropriate."
Center for a New American Security Senior Fellow for Technology and National Security Martijn Rasser said the new regulatory principles "strike the right tone," but are overly vague. He also warned that a hands-off federal approach could "worsen the regulatory patchwork that is developing at the state and local levels."
Federal agencies' own AI initiatives are outside the scope of the new memorandum, OMB said. But the 10 principles -- which include "interagency coordination," "risk assessment and management" and "public participation" -- are likely to shape federal efforts as well.
*** The Defense Department and NASA have long used Technology Readiness Assessments to increase success and reduce risk technology acquisition. Now, the Government Accountability Office is looking to bring that discipline to new agencies. A new guide released Jan. 7 offers a look at best practices.