Modernization
McCaul wants new commission on encryption and law enforcement
Top law enforcement officials have decried unbreakable commercial encryption as a dark space for terrorists and criminals. In the wake of the San Bernardino and Paris attacks, one House leader wants to take a hard look at the technology.
Digital Government
DHS chief plans changes to terror alert system
Secretary Jeh Johnson is planning modifications to the terrorism alert system to make it more responsive to murkier threats and is considering changes to the K-1 visa program.
Cybersecurity
Hackers Blast Anti-Semitic Texts, Decelerate Roadrunner Wireless, and Infiltrate Key Australian Supercomputer Agency
Just another week in ThreatWatch, our regularly updated index of noteworthy data breaches.
Cybersecurity
SMSGlobal Hack Facilitated 'Death to the Jews' Text Messages
Telecommunications // United Arab Emirates
Cybersecurity
China Accused of Breaching Strategic Australian Meteorology Computers
Government (Foreign) // Australia
Cybersecurity
Ex-Roadrunner Wireless Engineer Allegedly Hacked His Former Employer – Even After Arrest
Telecommunications // New Mexico, United States
Cybersecurity
Has the Government Paid Off Hackers to Remove Malware from Agency Computers?
Ransomware viruses have become a common nuisance in the United States.
Cybersecurity
Should the Secret Service Hand Over Its Cybersecurity Responsibilities?
It might be time for the Secret Service to transition its focus away from cybercrime, according to a recent House Oversight and Government Reform report.
Emerging Tech
Video: Honey, I Shrunk the Satellites!
These NASA mini-satellites are tiny, but can pack a big punch.
Emerging Tech
The White House is Prepping for the Most Violent Space Weather Imaginable
Here’s the plan for responding to a destructive solar storm.
Cybersecurity
Fighting cyber espionage, legally
Instead of trying to tackle foreign governments or hack-proof their own systems, Americans could use the force of the law to neuter cyber espionage by eliminating much of the incentive to hack.
Acquisition
Fed 100 nominations are due Dec. 23
Great work in federal IT should be celebrated. Make sure the individuals behind it get the recognition they deserve.
Artificial Intelligence
This Is What Happens When an AI System Learns to Talk
The system models how humans learn the rules of language.
Cybersecurity
DHS pushing for more public-private partnership on cyber
The Department of Homeland Security's assistant secretary is pushing for greater cooperation on public-private sectors on cyber security efforts between U.S. and Israel, after concluding a dialogue with Israeli officials this week.
Digital Government
Carnegie Mellon professor to serve as FTC's chief technologist
Carnegie Mellon University professor Lorrie Faith Cranor will replace Ashkan Soltani as chief technologist, the consumer protection agency announced on Dec. 3.
Cybersecurity
Senators question DHS, DOJ about ransomware
Ransomware attacks that hold users’ data hostage are said to be on the rise, and Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) want answers from the departments of Justice and Homeland Security.
Digital Government
Feds don't need shutdown plans, lawmakers say
Members of Congress do not anticipate a government shutdown even though there are only four legislative days left to come to a bipartisan agreement on a spending bill.
Modernization
FEMA updates IT acquisition plans
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided a look at its IT modernization strategy for the coming year.
Cybersecurity