Modernization
CBP’s facial recognition program at airports is expanding but concerns remain
The facial recognition program for international arrivals in airports is rolled out in all international airports in the United States.
Emerging Tech
NSF Invests $25.4M into Cybersecurity and Privacy Research Projects
The National Science Foundation’s Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace program is one of the agency’s largest research initiatives.
Policy
Senators Propose Cybercrime Training Center Get 6 More Years of Congressional Support
Legislation to reauthorize the National Computer Forensics Institute through 2028 comes after House lawmakers passed a similar proposal included in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
Defense
Coast Guard wants better internet on its ships, and more recruits
Commandant Fagan ties increased connectivity to operational needs and improving Coasties’ quality of life.
Cybersecurity
National Computer Forensics Institute up for reauthorization
The proposal would continue NCFI’s services through 2028 for any government employee who could help prevent or investigate cyber crimes.
Digital Government
Audits of CBP’s Facial Recognition Partners ‘Vital to Building Trust,’ Lawmaker Says
The agency has “a ways to go” in auditing facial recognition partners for privacy and security, a watchdog noted.
Digital Government
Senators Introduce Bill to Ensure Resiliency of Federal Data Centers
The proposal would establish baseline safeguards for cybersecurity and physical issues like natural disasters.
Cybersecurity
A top senate democrat has asked DOJ to investigate missing Jan. 6 text messages
The Homeland Security watchdog has been under fire for its handling of the matter.
Ideas
Polio in New York—An Infectious Disease Doctor Explains This Exceedingly Rare Occurrence
Waning vaccination rates could allow rare diseases to make a comeback.
Updated
Digital Government
Legal Defense Fund Launched for Former SBA CIO
The fund has raised over $25,000 as of Aug. 1.
Cybersecurity
Banking Groups Urge Senators to Reject NDAA Provision as Harmful to Cybersecurity
The provision for identifying “systemically important entities” included in the House-passed NDAA could still hitch a ride on the massive defense bill when it’s called to the floor in the upper chamber.
Modernization
US-Japan will Set Up Next-Gen Semiconductor Research Hub
The United States and Japan will create an international research hub for next-generation semiconductors as part of ongoing efforts to secure the semiconductor supply chain and have greater security over the vital component.
Cybersecurity
Senators introduce bill to ensure resiliency of federal data centers
The proposal would establish baseline safeguards for cybersecurity and physical issues like natural disasters.
Digital Government
GAO: VA Needs Better Data Collection, Analysis on Sexual Harassment
The Government Accountability Office issued a follow-up report to its 2020 analysis of the Veterans Affairs Department’s procedures for collecting and handling data on sexual misconduct.
Modernization
GSA’s Ascend cloud RFI emphasizes baseline requirements for vendors
The General Services Administration seeks feedback from the private sector on its highly anticipated one-stop shop for federal agencies seeking commercial cloud solutions.
Policy
GAO Adds 5 Priority Recommendations After OSTP Failed to Implement 2021 Changes
The U.S. Government Accountability Office established eight total priority recommendations for the Office of Science and Technology Policy, after OSTP failed to fully implement last year’s recommendations.
Modernization
Copyright transfer process moves online
The Library of Congress and U.S. Copyright Office say the system will cut down processing time for copyright documents.
Emerging Tech
The Navy Is Testing 5G For Future Forward Operating Bases
From drone-deployed 5G networks to digital twinning, a small 5G pilot is rewriting the rules for battlefield connectivity.
Cybersecurity
Security Alerts: Not All Vulnerabilities Are Created Equal
For industries without a heavy IT expertise, responding to the myriad vulnerability advisories released by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is a daunting task.
Emerging Tech