Cybersecurity
Chinese telecom espionage began with ‘much broader’ aims, officials say
The U.S. has been investigating the Salt Typhoon hackers since late spring and early summer this year, a senior FBI official said.
Acquisition
IBM wins $930M federal employee travel system contract
The General Services Administration expects 124 civilian agencies to transition to the new system by June 2027.
Cybersecurity
US proposes rule to prevent the sale of financial data to foreign adversaries
Data brokers would have to comply under terms set by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, in an effort that aims to stop exploitation of Americans’ data overseas.
Digital Government
Agencies see record reduction in improper payments in fiscal 2024
The improper payment rate for fiscal year 2024 was 3.97%. The last time that number dipped below 4% was in 2013.
Defense
Army aims to move its pay system to the cloud by 2027
Oracle will soon host the service’s HR systems, under the Pentagon’s biggest cloud contracting vehicle.
Ideas
Accountability in cybersecurity: Why government agencies must raise the stakes
Promoting better cybersecurity in an organization might mean doing things like locking user machines when they don't complete cyber training because accountability is not optional.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers want to enhance HHS cyber engagement with health care orgs
The bipartisan proposal, introduced by Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., came out of the efforts of a working group focused on protecting medical institutions from digital attacks.
Emerging Tech
NOAA awards key contract for space situational awareness system
Slingshot Aerospace, Inc. nabbed a contract worth up to $13.3 million to provide a “presentation layer” for the Traffic Coordination System for Space.
Artificial Intelligence
‘Team Human’ vs. AI: MIT expert issues warning on artificial general intelligence risks
Artificial general intelligence — smarter-than-human AI capable of performing virtually all tasks — risks spiraling out of human control, MIT professor and Future of Life Institute President Max Tegmark said.
Ideas
How software reuse and extension can accelerate digital transformation for agencies
Practical tips for improving digital transformation.
Breaking News
Digital Government
Trump teams to deploy throughout government after reaching agreement with the Biden administration
The president-elect had previously refused to sign the agreement and is still sidestepping many of the steps typically required for presidential transitions.
Artificial Intelligence
DOD reveals first draft of $15B artificial intelligence contract
The Defense Department wants more companies in the fold for Advana, a multi-domain analytics and AI platform that DOD wants to further scale out.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmaker wants FCC to create AI tool for identifying scams
The measure from Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah., would direct the FCC to develop an online platform that can assess submitted communications and then rate the likelihood that they are scam attempts.
Cybersecurity
Chinese hackers used a ‘range of sophisticated methods’ to breach US telecom providers, insider says
Salt Typhoon deployed various methods to break into telecommunications firms that went far beyond a singular run-of-the-mill credential-stealing attempt, according to a person familiar.
Digital Government
Trump’s first White House debated the role of USDS. What will Trump 2.0 do?
The Office of Management and Budget led an effort to assess USDS — even whether it should exist — during the twilight days of the Trump administration. With another Trump White House incoming, the question of what’s next for the government’s digital SWAT team looms.
Cybersecurity
White House convened telecom leaders as details of Chinese espionage hack unfold
Many of the breached systems were not properly equipped with tools that recorded network activity, making it harder to quickly trace the origins of the hack, a person familiar said.
Digital Government
Agencies credit telework with recruiting, retention gains, GAO finds
A watchdog report examining telework use at four agencies found best practices still need implementation, but the presence, or absence, of telework as an option has affected their ability to attract talent.
Modernization
Education launches 2025-26 FAFSA following weeks of testing
The public release of the online form follows a delayed and glitchy version released last year.
Digital Government