Emerging Tech

A new lunar benchmark: NIST’s moonlight data brings satellites into focus

NIST is releasing the first set of what it’s calling the Moonlight Radiometric Reference Dataset, a trove of data so precise that it could change the way we see our own planet.

Cybersecurity

CISA officials commit to supporting top vulnerability cataloging program

Organizations around the world rely on the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures Program, whose contract with CISA almost expired in April. It serves as the worldwide, de facto standard for vulnerability identification and management.

Emerging Tech

Emerging tech can be a ‘double-edged-sword’ for agencies, experts warn

Safely incorporating emerging systems like artificial intelligence and quantum computing demand the overhaul of legacy systems and rigorous cyber hygiene, federal officials say.

Cybersecurity

Small defense industrial base firms pose tempting targets for nation-state hackers, NSA official says

Some 80% of the defense industrial base are actually small firms, according to the NSA’s head of DIB security, who has helped over 200 providers identify thousands of vulnerabilities in their systems.

Acquisition

GSA, Amazon sign onto new centralized cloud pact

The General Services Administration's newest agreement under its OneGov procurement strategy also includes education and training services for employees on how to use the cloud-based tools.

Updated Cybersecurity

‘High-severity’ Microsoft Exchange vulnerability disclosed on heels of Black Hat talk

Parts of the federal enterprise are likely susceptible to the flaw that allows hackers to hijack on-premises versions of Active Directory. CISA plans to release an emergency directive on Thursday, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Cybersecurity

Federal CISO urges cyber community to start sharing and scaling their solutions

The Trump administration wants to ease regulatory burdens on the cyber industry with a mindset where there is still room for policymaking. It largely begins with the private sector.

Acquisition

OpenAI to give federal agencies ChatGPT access at $1 per year

The General Services Administration signs this new OneGov pact to help agencies adopt advanced artificial intelligence tools as part of the Trump administration’s push for AI leadership.

Cybersecurity

Former and current officials clash over CISA’s role in US cyber defenses at Black Hat

CISA’s communications chief backed the narrowing of the agency’s scope, while a former NSA leader warned that shrinking the federal cyber workforce risks weakening U.S. defenses.

Ideas

Why veterans need their own health care record and system

COMMENTARY | To restore trust and deliver the care veterans deserve, the VA must prioritize smart investment in technology, better management practices and serious engagement with veteran feedback.

Artificial Intelligence

GSA adds global AI providers to the schedule

ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini are now available to agencies through a single source for buying artificial intelligence capabilities.

Cybersecurity

New research shows Iran’s expansive cyber offensive during ‘12-Day War’ with Israel

One state-backed hacking group created conflict-themed websites to lure pro-Israel visitors and siphon their data, according to SecurityScorecard.

Digital Government

NIST releases final digital identity guidelines after years of drafts

The new guidelines remove mentions of equity that NIST had included in previous draft updates.

Defense

Defense tech office cuts staff down to 40

The cuts to the Defense Technical Information Center are intended to refocus it on “its core statutory mission” according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

People

Thomas Shedd departs as Labor CIO

The longtime Tesla engineer appears to still be working at the General Services Administration, according to two employees, even as he leaves his post at the Labor Department.

Cybersecurity

Foreign adversaries are trying to weaponize open-source software, report finds

Hacking units affiliated with nation-state adversaries are subtly contributing to open-source software tools and working to insert backdoors into publicly available code used by millions worldwide, new research says.

Defense

The Army’s giant data deal with Palantir is a harbinger: service CIO

The 10-year, up-to-$10 billion deal is part of a larger effort to consolidate IT contracts and save money, Leonel Garciga told reporters.

People

Senate confirms Sean Cairncross to be national cyber director under Trump

Sean Cairncross, a former RNC official, is the first person to head the Office of the National Cyber Director under Donald Trump.