Cybersecurity
Apple balks at court order to unlock San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone
A District Court judge has ordered Apple to help the FBI break into the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino shooters. Many technologists are up in arms, and Apple is not backing down.
Cybersecurity
Obama names picks for cyber commission
A presidential commission aimed at sizing up the nation's cybersecurity is getting a leader with government background and a vice chairman from industry.
Modernization
Pentagon moves on Windows upgrade
Defense Secretary Ash Carter's office is drafting an "executive action" letter that would help expedite DOD's transition to Windows 10.
Modernization
Vendors still have questions as $50B telecom deadline approaches
As the deadline looms for contract proposal submission for its huge telecom contract, GSA looks towards transition
Digital Government
System Update: Pentagon Upgrading 4 Million Devices to Windows 10
The news comes almost three months after DOD Chief Information Officer Terry Halvorsen – with Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s blessing – put the Pentagon’s components on notice to prepare for the move.
People
A new job for Darren Ash
Darren Ash, the longtime CIO of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is departing for the top tech job at the USDA's Farm Service Bureau.
People
IG says law bars Cobert from leading OPM on acting basis
OPM IG Patrick McFarland said in a memo to Beth Cobert that under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, "any actions taken by you since the date of your nomination are void and may not be subsequently ratified."
People
FITARA: Maintaining momentum
The keys to the law's success are identifying and mitigating the risks to its implementation, especially in light of the upcoming presidential transition.
Cybersecurity
Hollywood Hospital Data Held Hostage; Hackers Demand $3.5 Billion in Bitcoin
Healthcare and Public Health // California, United States
Digital Government
Will Congress Write a $3 Billion Check for Better Federal IT Systems?
It’s still unclear what strategy the White House is pursuing to make the newly proposed IT modernization fund a reality.
Artificial Intelligence
How Can You Train AI to Get Smarter? The Intelligence Community Wants to Know
IARPA wants to guard against an "AI winter," during which there's less research and less funding for AI.
Emerging Tech
Video: This 360-Degree Treadmill Will Make Your Virtual Reality Experience More Immersive
Strap in and explore a new reality.
Digital Government
DOD Invests to Prep Networks for Internet of Everything
The Pentagon’s IT arm recently gave the tech trend du jour more validation with the $4.3 billion Global Network Services contract.
People
State changes counterterrorism unit to include online focus
Deputy Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, announced a changes at the Bureau of Counterterrorism and Countering Violent Extremism to combat terrorism online and work with tech firms.
Cybersecurity
Cyberwar keeps CIA's Brennan up at night
CIA Director John Brennan said a terrorist attack on American soil is inevitable, the Paris attack resulted from a "failure of intelligence" and the growing threat of cyberwarfare is "the thing that keeps me up at night."
Modernization
State IG finds lack of IT contingency plans overseas
Consulates and embassies are expected to be able to restore connectivity in the event of disruptive events, but the IG found a range of issues with 20 of the 29 posts it reviewed.
Digital Government
This 3-D Printer Creates Human Muscles and Tissues That Could Actually Replace Real Ones
Unlike with most printers, which put down layers of molten plastic or metal, Wake Forest’s printer lays down what are called hydrogels—water-based solutions containing human cells.
Acquisition
Pentagon seeks more visibility into industry R&D
A proposed rule would require firms undertaking government-reimbursed independent R&D efforts to tell defense officials before doing so, and to share the results of those investments afterward.
Cybersecurity
Why senators need a CISO
Users might be daredevils or they might not fully understand their cybersecurity risks, said the man in charge of protecting U.S. senators' networks. Either way, CISOs have to work with what they've got.
Cybersecurity