Digital Government
FCW Insider: July 17
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Modernization
COVID-19 pandemic underscores need to invest in federal IT systems
Lawmaker calls state of legacy systems "criminal."
Cybersecurity
CISA Gives Agencies 24 Hours to Mitigate Windows DNS Server Vulnerability
The agency issued an emergency directive for just the third time ever.
Cybersecurity
U.S., U.K. Officials Call for Russia to Stop Hacking COVID-19 Researchers
“It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” a British official said.
Digital Government
Industry Group Urges Congress to Extend CARES Clause to Reimburse Government Contractors
The Professional Services Council called on Congress to extend Section 3610 authority in order to sustain the contracting workforce in a letter to leadership Thursday.
Modernization
How USPTO Avoided the Strains of Pandemic-Forced Mass Telework
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Chief Information Officer Jamie Holcombe shared new details about the agency's increased productivity.
Artificial Intelligence
Attorney General: China May Supplant U.S. If It Wins AI Race
William Barr blasted Google, Microsoft and other American big tech companies for being short-sighted while meeting the Chinese government’s demands for operating within the country.
Cybersecurity
CISA releases emergency directive on wormable DNS flaw
The directive orders civilian federal agencies to immediately begin patching a critical Remote Code Execution flaw in Windows DNS servers.
Digital Government
Security Clearance Reformers Tout Progress Amid COVID-19
The pandemic pushed adjudicators to conduct more virtual interviews, though that progress might be undone when the crisis passes.
Cybersecurity
U.S., U.K., Canada warn that Russian intelligence targeting COVID vaccine data
Cozy Bear is back, this time using spearphishing, public exploits and custom malware to break into organizations involved in developing a vaccine for the raging pandemic.
Ideas
The Electoral College Is Surprisingly Vulnerable to Popular Vote Changes
This system is built to virtually ensure narrow victories, making it very susceptible to efforts to change either voters’ minds or the records of their choices.
Ideas
AI for Self-Driving Cars Doesn't Account for Crime
Most ethical discussions about self-driving cars focus on whether the vehicle should choose between protecting itself or doing the least damage to humans. What if users have more nefarious motives?
Digital Government
FCW Insider: July 16
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Ideas
Your Coping and Resilience Strategies Might Need to Shift as the COVID-19 Crisis Continues
As the coronavirus pandemic situation and stresses change, so do our recommendations for what coping strategies might be most helpful.
Modernization
Ditching Legacy Systems Will Require Adjusting Some Regulations, Experts Say
Federal investment in upgraded technology will help governments better take care of the American people, experts say, but that means rules must be updated to foster innovation
Cybersecurity
Bipartisan Concerns Arise Over Cyber Director Legislation
Proponents say the new position would help balance and deconflict offensive and defensive operations.
Digital Government
House Appropriators Add Support for FedRAMP, 5G and Chinese Telecom Bans to Spending Bill
The committee also suggested adding another $25 million to the Technology Modernization Fund.
Emerging Tech