Digital Government

ICE struggles to track unaccompanied minors, oversight report says

The agency lacks automated systems to chart the path of underage migrants through the immigration system.

Artificial Intelligence

DHS generative AI pilot embraces hiccups of emerging tech

Michael Boyce, the director of the AI Corps at the Department of Homeland Security said a pilot program using generative AI to train new asylum and refugee officers is leaning into hallucinations to better mirror real interviews.

Digital Government

DHS selects 6 digital wallet startups for identity security contracts

The agency aims to facilitate more ways to comply with travel document requirements while safeguarding U.S. citizen privacy.

People

DHS hires initial cohort of 10 to join its AI Corps

The Department of Homeland Security’s AI Corps is designed to deploy tech-savvy experts across its operations to drive the adoption of AI capabilities within its various mission areas.

Artificial Intelligence

DHS report details AI’s potential to amplify biological, chemical threats

As artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to intersect with sensitive research efforts, the Department of Homeland Security recommended increased communication and guidance to mitigate dangerous outcomes.

People

DHS wants to go big with its hiring fair this week

The department says it's cutting red tape in government hiring by giving tentative job offers on the spot and starting vetting processes in person.

Cybersecurity

DHS highlights AI as a threat and asset to critical infrastructure in new priority guidance

The agency’s 2024-2025 Strategic Guidance and National Priorities for Critical Infrastructure highlights continued need to monitor AI’s interplay with cybersecurity.

Emerging Tech

DHS sets its research sights on 8 emerging technologies

The Department of Homeland Security’s Innovation, Research and Development Strategic Plan focuses its investment the next seven years on AI, cybersecurity, biotech and more. 

Artificial Intelligence

DHS launches new AI safety and security board

The board will be made up of 22 representatives from private sector, government and academia and will advise Secretary Mayorkas on risk mitigation for AI in critical infrastructure. 

People

DHS names Michael Boyce to lead its AI Corps

The AI Corps program — modeled after the White House’s U.S. Digital Service — is intended to bring teams of experts to bear on the agency’s most critical mission needs.

People

DHS names a new CISO

Hemant Baidwan will be in charge of securing DHS information technology systems.

Cybersecurity

Microsoft at fault for ‘avoidable errors’ leading to Chinese email hack last year, DHS group finds

The company’s cybersecurity culture contributed to an environment that enabled the incident, according to the findings.

Artificial Intelligence

AI is creating ‘more sophisticated’ but not unprecedented election threats, DHS official says

AI is likely to create more convincing phishing campaigns but is “not necessarily introducing a new threat or risk in and of itself,” the official said.

Artificial Intelligence

DHS unveils new AI roadmap

The plan for artificial intelligence at the Department of Homeland Security comes alongside three new AI pilot programs, with aims to both harness the benefits and monitor emerging risks of the technology.

Digital Government

Tech questions at the border

Critics say the Customs and Border Protection app CBP One is glitchy and unfair to migrants.

Cybersecurity

Biden to sign executive order boosting cybersecurity of ports, maritime vessels

The order empowers the Coast Guard to shore up cyber protections for maritime systems and harden current cyber incident reporting rules.

People

How DHS is providing security tech, cyber support for Super Bowl LVIII

The Department of Homeland Security said it is “leveraging its significant technology assets and dedicated personnel” to protect the Feb. 11 matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cybersecurity

DHS inventory of AI systems for cybersecurity is ‘not accurate’, oversight report says

The report calls on the DHS to better verify its AI inventory submissions and for CISA to develop AI cybersecurity progress metrics.

Artificial Intelligence

DHS launches hiring push for new AI Corps

The department wants to hire 50 feds to focus on artificial intelligence.

People

Former DHS employees sentenced for plot to steal government software, databases

The trio wanted to to build a commercial software product that would have been sold to government agencies.