Emerging Tech
House Oversight Votes to Secure Connected Devices in Government
The committee approved legislation that would enforce basic security standards for the numerous internet-connected devices used at federal agencies.
Digital Government
Using Data to Predict Coastal Flood Risk
A new online tool compiles NOAA water-level data and storm forecasts to help coastal residents prepare for floods.
Cybersecurity
NIST Asks for Input on Building Secure Software
The draft framework is intended to both instruct developers on building safe tech and help IT buyers, like the government, know which companies they can trust.
Digital Government
Where a Census Undercount Will Hurt (or Help) Most
A 2020 Census that favors white and Republican-leaning districts—and undercounts younger, lower income, and black and Hispanic residents—seems ever more likely.
Artificial Intelligence
Want to Weigh In on the Government’s AI Standards? There’s Still Time.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology extended the submission period for proposals to help develop “reliable, robust and trustworthy” AI tools.
Digital Government
16 Things OMB Wants Agencies to Accomplish in the Data Strategy's First Year
Agencies and other stakeholders have until July 5 to comment on the draft action plan, which includes hard deliverables for all of government.
Cybersecurity
Census’ Cybersecurity Plan is Full of Holes, Watchdog Says
The 2020 Census will be a prime target for digital adversaries, but the plans for fighting those threats are incomplete and outdated, the Government Accountability Office found.
Digital Government
Commerce Asks for Feedback On Unreleased Data Strategy Action Plan
An agency leading development of the Federal Data Strategy wants input on the draft action plan, though it won’t be released until later this week, at the earliest.
Artificial Intelligence
Census Thinks a Clippy-Style AI Assistant Could Speed Up Security Authorizations
“It looks like you’re trying to get an ATO. Would you like help with that?”
Digital Government
It’s Not Just the Citizenship Question—the Digital Divide Could Hurt the Count of Latinos in the Census
Fear of government, a question about citizenship, and uncertain internet connections have created the perfect storm for an undercount of the Latino population, a new report argues.
Emerging Tech
Senators Urge FCC Not to Use 24GHz Spectrum for 5G
Experts across government are concerned it will disrupt the future of weather forecasting.
Emerging Tech
NIST Is Staging An Armed Robbery To Improve Video Surveillance
Before researchers can test the latest video analytics, they need a variety of footage from different angles, conditions and recording quality.
Digital Government
6 Citizen-Focused Steps Census is Taking to Improve the 2020 Count
Officials hope improving the customer experience for citizens will boost the participation rate for the Census Bureau’s biggest undertaking.
Cybersecurity
GAO Flags New Cybersecurity Issues for Upcoming Census
The bureau needs to fix vulnerabilities faster, upon hundreds of other security issues the congressional watchdog previously identified.
Digital Government
NIST Expands Hiring Authorities for Top-Level Tech Talent
The standards-setting agency is making it easier for hiring managers to onboard IT managers, engineers and scientists through new direct hiring authorities.
Emerging Tech
Scientists Predict Weak Sun Activity During Next Solar Cycle
Low solar activity should mean relatively calm space weather for the next 11 years.
Cybersecurity
Financial Regulators Want To Know If Their Cyber Assessment Tool Is Worth It
Four federal agencies are asking the industry they regulate whether a cybersecurity assessment is worth the work of collecting and submitting the necessary data.
Digital Government
Census Officials Say They’re Ready, With or Without Citizenship Question
A year out, preparations are on track to allow responses online, by phone or on paper.
Digital Government
NOAA Celebrates Weather Satellite Removal From GAO’s High Risk List
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration successfully navigated a major challenge to one of its weather satellite systems that could have derailed U.S. weather forecasting.
Ideas