Ideas

Ransomware Criminals Are Targeting U.S. Universities

The schools are attractive targets because of weak cybersecurity measures and medical research data.

Cybersecurity

Wednesday’s Hack Shows that The Whole World Is in Your Twitter DMs

We treat direct messages on Twitter as private conversations. Last night’s hack shows that isn’t the case.

Cybersecurity

U.S., U.K. Officials Call for Russia to Stop Hacking COVID-19 Researchers

“It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” a British official said.

Artificial Intelligence

Attorney General: China May Supplant U.S. If It Wins AI Race

William Barr blasted Google, Microsoft and other American big tech companies for being short-sighted while meeting the Chinese government’s demands for operating within the country. 

Ideas

The Electoral College Is Surprisingly Vulnerable to Popular Vote Changes

This system is built to virtually ensure narrow victories, making it very susceptible to efforts to change either voters’ minds or the records of their choices.

Cybersecurity

Bipartisan Concerns Arise Over Cyber Director Legislation

Proponents say the new position would help balance and deconflict offensive and defensive operations.

Ideas

Why Government Needs to Move Quickly to Zero Trust

Most experts agree that the best path forward would be zero-trust networking, although the concept is defined differently depending on who you happen to ask.

Cybersecurity

House Oversight Lawmaker Wants Apple, Google to Step Up Security on Apps With Foreign Ties

Rep. Stephen Lynch seeks commitments from the tech giants to be more transparent about applications on their stores.

Cybersecurity

Congressman Plans to Propose Cyber Director Amendment to NDAA

Testimony at a hearing of the House Oversight Committee will look to drive home the case for the proposal.

Cybersecurity

The Defense Bill Could Rewrite How the US Does Cyber Defense

A proposed new office would help private entities and the government respond together to major hacks.

Cybersecurity

Energy IG Finds Science Offices Skirt Security Rules for Peripheral Devices

Officials tell internal watchdogs securing devices like printers and flash drives is just hard, expensive and inhibits collaboration.

Policy

Governments Need Clear Plans to Respond to Disinformation, Experts Say

One of the tricky parts of responding is addressing the conspiracy theories that domestic social media users create but then get amplified by foreign actors, experts said. 

Ideas

Filter Protects Against Deepfake Photos and Videos

Researchers have created an algorithm that generates an adversarial attack against facial manipulation systems in order to corrupt and render useless attempted deepfakes.

Cybersecurity

FBI Opens a New China-Related Counterintelligence Investigation Every 10 Hours, Director Says

China is ramping up illegal activity to subvert the U.S. during the pandemic, according to FBI Director Chris Wray.

Digital Government

Coronavirus Fraudsters Keep Prosecutors Busy

State AGs track millions in false loan and unemployment claims.

Cybersecurity

CISA Stands to Gain Powers Under Both Versions of the Defense Authorization Bill

An amendment on the Senate-side bill would grant the agency subpoena power over internet service providers.