Artificial Intelligence
DHS launches internal GenAI chatbot to leverage non-public data
Agency Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the tool, known as DHSChat, “will help men and women across DHS draft vital reports, summarize critical information, develop new software, streamline administrative tasks and much more.”
Emerging Tech
DHS surveillance tools lack bias and privacy protections, GAO says
DHS law enforcement agencies are currently developing policies to reduce bias in the use of AI-enabled tech but have no plans to do so for other monitoring tools.
Artificial Intelligence
NIST sets up new task force on AI and national security
The Testing Risks of AI for National Security Taskforce will bring federal expertise to test artificial intelligence models in critical use cases.
Artificial Intelligence
DHS releases guidance for AI in critical infrastructure
The Department of Homeland Security worked with its diverse AI Safety and Security Board to develop a holistic approach for securing critical infrastructure that leverages AI technologies.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
DHS issues internal comms guidance amid telecom breach investigation
The DHS Cyber Safety Review Board is already slated to investigate the hacking collective, dubbed Salt Typhoon, and its intrusion into telecommunications firms and wiretap infrastructure.
Artificial Intelligence
DHS highlights hiring and project milestones on anniversary of Biden’s AI order
The agency said it has hired 31 technologists for its AI Corps and completed three pilot projects that have provided “valuable insights into the real-life impact of GenAI tools as well as their limitations.”
Cybersecurity
DHS cyber review board to investigate Chinese hack of US telecoms as victim net widens
U.S. government officials and staff on both major presidential campaigns were targeted. One former intelligence official called the breaches “really concerning.”
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