Cybersecurity
‘Multiple Threat Actors’ Used Old Exploit to Access Federal Agency Servers
At least two groups tried to exploit the vulnerability to get deeper into the agency’s networks, including a Vietnamese criminal gang.
Emerging Tech
Naval Research Lab Launches First In-Space Laser Energy Experiment
The experiment will demonstrate using power beaming technology to deliver instant energy in space.
Cybersecurity
Government employees and defense contractors still have got bad passwords, report says
According to new research, a majority of government employees with exposed passwords were found to have reused them across multiple accounts.
Emerging Tech
CFPB Announces New Inquiry into Data Brokers
The financial regulatory agency wants to learn more about data brokers’ business operations, especially surrounding user experiences.
Cybersecurity
NSA offers new tips on zero trust and identity
Weaknesses in identity and access controls are allowing cyber attacks to happen, NSA officials say. A new tip sheet is meant to help national security systems mature their controls.
Policy
US Needs Deeper Global Partnerships to Assert Tech Leadership, Report Argues
A report from the German Marshall Fund calls for “a new foreign policy of technology” that allows the U.S. to maintain its tech leadership on the global stage by working more closely with democratic nations.
Digital Government
Telework Not to Blame for Government Backlogs and Inefficiencies, OPM Director Says
Kiran Ahuja defends telework before skeptical Republicans, amid efforts to improve data collection around agencies’ use of workplace flexibilities.
People
USDS alum Lynn Overmann talks priorities in new role as Beeck Center’s director
Continuing a recent tradition of former U.S. Digital Services officials tapped to lead Georgetown University’s technology and policy hub, Overmann talks about the challenges and opportunities of helping bring innovation to the federal government.
Artificial Intelligence
DIA's New China Mission Group to Track Threat Posed by AI Development
The Defense Intelligence Agency’s China Mission Group will be monitoring the country’s use of AI software and other technologies in a national security context.
Ideas
Why it's time for a pivot on digital identity
COMMENTARY | The White House should rethink their approach to reducing identity theft in public benefits to align with the broader objective outlined in the National Cybersecurity Strategy—one that would invest in digital identity infrastructure that can reduce identity theft and cybercrime in every sector.
Digital Government
L3Harris Will Develop NOAA’s Next-Gen Earth Imaging in $765M Deal
The GeoXO Imager will help to observe and monitor weather, the ocean and atmosphere, among other things in a collaboration between NOAA, NASA and L3Harris as part of the GeoXO mission.
Cybersecurity
CISA Launches Ransomware Warning Pilot for Critical Infrastructure
The new pilot program will enable “timely risk reduction” by alerting critical infrastructure owners and operators of vulnerabilities within their systems that are susceptible to ransomware attacks.
Digital Government
NASA Unveils $27B Budget Plan to Support Mars Missions and Beyond
The requested budget is a 7.1% increase from NASA’s fiscal year 2023 enacted budget.
Modernization
White House seeks $74 billion for federal civilian IT in 2024
The administration is proposing a nearly $10 billion bump in federal spending to achieve its modernization goals, including several significant increases in spending on IT and cybersecurity at civilian agencies.
Ideas
More College Students Than Ever Say They Go to Therapy
Nearly half of all college students are depressed, according to a new nationwide study.
Emerging Tech
GAO Offers Quantum Guidance to Federal Agencies
As the federal government continues its push for mass post-quantum cryptography transitions, the Government Accountability Office offered fact-based summary and guidance.
Artificial Intelligence
Pentagon Requests Science & Tech Research Boost, But China Remains Ahead
Beijing funds much S&T research outside formal military channels.
Emerging Tech
Pentagon Office Tracking National Security Impact of Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
The director of the Pentagon’s office tasked with connecting relevant tech companies with private capital said in an email that the office is “monitoring national security-related impacts” stemming from the prominent startup lender’s demise.
Modernization
IRS Plans to Approve Use of Login-dot-gov as Tax Day Nears
The tax agency intends to add Login this filing season—and as early as next week—as the integration is in final rounds of testing.
Emerging Tech