Cybersecurity

Spy law reauthorization postponed to avoid tough privacy votes

A markup to reauthorize the USA Freedom Act was pushed back indefinitely as members deal with the fallout of a new oversight report and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) prepares to introduce a number of proposed amendments.

People

Esper says he didn't seek the authority to gut DOD unions

Defense Secretary Mark Esper told lawmakers he was waiting for a staff analysis of a recent presidential memo before deciding whether to leverage new authority.

Modernization

App Tells You Who's Collecting Your Data and Why

Find out what internet of things devices around you may be tracking you.

Artificial Intelligence

White House Touts a Year of AI Initiatives in Roundup Report

The Office of Science and Technology Policy released a list of accomplishments in promoting artificial intelligence, including efforts to adopt cutting-edge technologies within the federal government.

Emerging Tech

Will Flying Cars Help the US Beat China? The Air Force Hopes So.

Service officials say giving American manufacturers first-mover advantage is just as important as the military benefits of vertical-lift buses.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers press DHS chief on drug detection tech

Illicit drug shipments through land ports of entry concern lawmakers who asked acting Homeland Security chief Chad Wolf for details on the technology to stop them.

Cybersecurity

TRANSCOM head says contractors struggle with advanced persistent threats

The lead general for TRANSCOM threw support behind the Defense Department's impending unified cybersecurity standard for contractors, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, as contractors struggle with advanced persistent threats.

Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Digital Government

FCW Insider: Feb. 26

The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.

Artificial Intelligence

NOAA Launches New Strategy to Streamline and Advance Its AI-Driven Efforts

The agency outlined its goals to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence across the enterprise.

Digital Government

Data Center Issue Prompts GAO to Revert Redesigned Website Back to an Old Version

The new site’s host company, Contegix, is still working to resolve the technical difficulties, a GAO official said.

Cybersecurity

Government-Run Energy Company Keeps Reeling in the Same Employees in Phishing Training

The Tennessee Valley Authority has a good initial phishing training program in place but lacks real consequences for those that fail.

People

Oversight chair reignites probe into controversial Trump aide

Security clearance concerns are raised after Trump rehires ousted aide for key personnel job

Cybersecurity

Ransomware top of mind for DHS cyber chief

The director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said the organization has been “a little bit late to the game” recognizing the potential of ransomware to directly touch the lives of citizens, but that’s changing.

Modernization

Lawmaker, DHS chief spar at hearing over border wall tech

Technology is a key to an effective border wall, the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security told a Senate panel.

Ideas

Ancient Animistic Beliefs Live on in Our Intimacy with Tech

We’re learning that humans can bond, form attachments and dedicate themselves to non-conscious objects or lifeless things with shocking ease.