Acquisition
DOJ suit claims Georgia Tech ‘knowingly failed’ to meet cyber standards for DOD contracts
The Justice Department has joined onto a whistleblower lawsuit filed by two senior staffers on Georgia Tech’s cybersecurity compliance team that was filed in 2022.
Artificial Intelligence
Justice broadens its AI data analysis abilities to process video, redact info
An expanded contract with AI software firm Veritone will allow the Department of Justice to streamline unstructured data for limited requested public access and investigative efforts.
Cybersecurity
US accuses Russian national of helping deploy malware on Ukrainian government computers
The alleged hacker used U.S. computer infrastructure to distribute the infamous “WhisperGate” malware into Ukrainian systems.
Digital Government
DOJ launches CX-focused initiative
The first project in the new push is focusing on improving the portals Americans use to report crimes to the Department of Justice.
Artificial Intelligence
DOJ charges ex-Google employee with theft of AI trade secrets
Ex-Google software engineer Leon Ding allegedly funneled research and confidential information from his employer to China-based companies.
Digital Government
Feds move to make gov websites more accessible to people with disabilities
It’s the first time the federal government has ever issued rules clarifying how the more than 30-year-old Americans with Disabilities Act applies online. But the new rules come with a hefty price tag for state and local governments.
Cybersecurity
US accuses Chinese hackers of 14-year campaign targeting government officials
The coordinated charges include sanctions on Chinese government-affiliated hackers and an up to $10 million reward for information about the defendants.
People
DOJ names its first chief AI officer
The new role is intended to focus on building a tech-ready workforce and interagency cooperation.
Cybersecurity
US, international partners disrupt LockBit ransomware operations
Officials have also developed a tool for victims targeted by LockBit to potentially decrypt their compromised data.
Cybersecurity
FBI disrupts botnet controlled by Russian security services
The news comes just weeks after the U.S. announced it went on the offensive against a China-linked botnet operation.
Cybersecurity
US disrupts China-linked cyber campaign impacting critical infrastructure, Justice officials say
The hackers infected privately owned small office/home office routers to conceal the origins of their intrusions into critical infrastructure systems.
Artificial Intelligence
Stop funding predictive policing tech without ‘evidence standards,’ lawmakers tell DOJ
Seven Democrats are urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to cease grant funding for predictive policing systems until DOJ ensures they are not having “a discriminatory impact.”
Ideas
The government’s FOIA policy changes are adding to work levels and requests — but e-Discovery can help
Federal agencies received a record-high number of requests in fiscal year 2022, and FOIA backlogs are growing.
Cybersecurity
CISA conducts largest annual election security drills amid threats targeting voting systems
The nation’s cyber defense agency hosted a three-day election security exercise with state, local and federal officials ahead of the 2024 race.
Cybersecurity
Justice to merge 2 offices in step with cyber implementation plan
The agency has been granted new and important roles under the Biden administration’s plan to safeguard U.S. digital networks.
Cybersecurity
Federal Operation Takes Down Sophisticated Russian Malware
Snake malware has plagued international digital networks for nearly two decades; a joint federal effort finally dismantled the web of espionage spyware.
Cybersecurity
US Marshals to Unveil ‘Fully Reconstituted System’ Following Ransomware Attack
Offline since February, the new system will have improved cybersecurity countermeasures.
Artificial Intelligence
4 Agencies Pledge Enforcement Against AI Bias
A letter helmed by the Federal Trade Commission promises vigilance against automated systems used to make critical socioeconomic decisions.
Cybersecurity
Federal Law Enforcement’s New Focus is on ‘Disruption’ of Cybercrime
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco noted that success will be seen with a “bias towards action,” rather than just courtroom victories.
Cybersecurity