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Cybersecurity
CISA would get millions for cyber workforce outreach to underserved communities under new bill
The measure comes amid concerns from cybersecurity officials and professionals over how workforce diversity gaps may threaten U.S. cyber defenses.
Acquisition
Google Cloud obtains FedRAMP High certification for more than 100 services
The security controls are available to all customers — inside government and out.
Artificial Intelligence
NIST unveils strategic vision for AI safety work
The AI Safety Institute will work to establish artificial intelligence testing metrics and standards as detailed by a new guiding document.
Cybersecurity
CYBERCOM, DARPA pen agreement to speed up advanced cyberwarfare research
The accord follows a 2022 announcement of the joint-agency Constellation cyber prototyping program.
Digital Government
Automation helped VA approve 1 million PACT Act claims, officials say
The agency is relying on automated decision support and other optimization efforts to help process claims for veterans exposed to burn pits and other chemicals.
Ideas
Collaboration is essential for safe and secure AI deployments
COMMENTARY | Congress, federal agencies and industry need to work together to develop artificial intelligence governance models that address cybersecurity, safety and bias issues.
People
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel details his hefty tech to-do list
Enabling taxpayers to fully interact with the IRS digitally is a “generational imperative,” the agency head said.
Policy
Lawmakers update proposal to cut down on billions in improper payments
Agencies would be required to include details on their anti-fraud controls and fraud risk management work in annual financial reports.
Cybersecurity
More than 70% of surveyed water systems failed to meet EPA cyber standards
The agency says it will take certain enforcement actions in cases where there is imminent danger from a cyberthreat against water infrastructure.
Ideas
A bittersweet birthday party for the Office of Federal Procurement Policy
Steve Kelman worries that the Biden administration is steering federal buyers away from best-value goals.
Cybersecurity
House panel advances measure to dissolve SEC cyber disclosure rule
The White House has said the president would veto any legislative effort to revoke the rule.
Cybersecurity
New mailing list aims to share hacking attempts on open-source projects
The Siren email list allows members to share active exploitations of open-source projects, fueled by recent attempts to sabotage free-to-use software tooling
Exclusive
Modernization
IRS is making headway on modernizing 1960s-era tax system, commissioner says
The IRS is currently testing a modernized Individual Master File system in the hopes it can potentially switch to the modern version for the next tax season.
Emerging Tech
NSF to issue framework addressing national security implications of sensitive research
The agency’s director noted that the TRUST framework — based on recommendations made in a recent advisory group report — will be unveiled “in the coming months.”
Artificial Intelligence
VA is already using AI to identify and assist veterans in crisis, officials say
The use of AI capabilities to review the agency’s surveys to veterans has helped save a couple thousand lives and helped another couple thousand retired servicemembers receive housing, according to VA’s chief veterans experience officer.
Digital Government
Labor Department debuts website for migrant workers in 6 new languages
“Our mandate includes protecting the rights of all workers,” a department official told reporters this week.
Defense
The US is still falling behind on electronic warfare, special operators warn
New space and low-power solutions are needed to operate against modern jamming.
Cybersecurity
FCC to propose requiring internet providers mitigate security flaws in core data routing protocol
The commission will consider new authorities underpinned by its net neutrality vote last month.
People
Top CISA official Eric Goldstein to depart agency next month
Goldstein was part of several Biden-era CISA initiatives. It’s unclear what his plans are next.
Artificial Intelligence