Ideas

Will the U.S. Ever Switch From Cyber Defense to Offense?

After another cyberattack on a U.S. city, it may be time to figure out a less passive response.

Digital Government

Social Media Screening Won’t Slow Down the Visa Process, State Department Says

The department wants to screen five years of social media and email from all visa applicants but doesn’t expect longer processing time “for most visa cases.”

Digital Government

Facebook's Ideological Imperialism

Andrew Bosworth’s memo may seem insidious, but its logic used to be very popular.

People

Does the Vacancies Act really matter?

The law is supposed to prevent acting officials taking on Senate-confirmed roles indefinitely, but the statutory language is vague and enforcement is uneven.

Modernization

TIC still tripping up agencies' cloud modernization efforts

The federal government is pushing to modernize its IT infrastructure of several fronts, but agencies are still struggling with conflicting goals, like cloud adoption, telework policies and Trusted Internet Connection compliance.

Emerging Tech

After London, How Lasers Will Play a Role in Detecting Chemical Attacks Sooner

A new technique can detect trace elements of dangerous chemicals in extremely small doses, a breakthrough of relevance to the horror show playing out in Salisbury, U.K.

Cybersecurity

OPM Says Agencies Have One Year To ID Cyber Workforce Gaps

The Office of Personnel Management started the clock Monday for agencies to identify, report and mitigate cybersecurity workforce shortfalls.

Cybersecurity

OPM tells agencies how to respond to cyber workforce needs

Agencies will have a year to identify high-value positions, investigate the root causes of any talent shortage and develop action plans before they start reporting annually to OPM.

Cybersecurity

CBP deputy seeks 1,000-mile border wall system

Technology remains a part of the border security balance, but "walls work and agents know it," CBP's Ronald Vitiello said.

Modernization

Deputy defense secretary says DOD will get its 'arms around' cloud

The Pentagon and industry base aren't on the same wavelength when it comes to acquisition reform and readiness, says the DOD's No. 2 official.

Artificial Intelligence

AI: The Pros, Cons, and What To Really Fear

Dive into what's known so far about the new AI arms race — with a particular eye on U.S. and Chinese efforts — in a new special report.

Digital Government

VISA Applications May Require Five Years of Social Media Information

In the near future, Visa applications filed through the State Department may require a lot of personal info.

Emerging Tech

Army Switches To Special Fast-Track Contract For Drone-Mounted Signal Jammer

The contract will now be limited to members of an industry consortium for cyber and electronic warfare companies.

Digital Government

SENSR team moving ahead on spectrum-sharing plan

The multi-agency team behind an effort to create a joint radar system and free up spectrum for commercial use is seeking more feedback.

Digital Government

With Shulkin out at VA, what happens to the Cerner deal?

The Department of Veterans Affairs looked set to ink a $10 billion deal for new health record software system. Then the secretary got fired.

Cybersecurity

$380 Million in Election Security Money Coming Soon to States

California will get $36 million to secure its election systems; smaller states get less.

Digital Government

State Department wants to ask all visa applicants about their social media activity

For the millions who seek a U.S. visa every year, giving up social media information and history may become a required step.