Cybersecurity
Biden nominates first assistant defense secretary for cyber policy
The position was created to address concerns about missing civilian leadership in the Pentagon’s cyber policy space.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers eye 2025 defense bill for AI proposals
A leader of the Senate’s bipartisan AI working group said that next year's must-pass defense policy bill could include some substantive AI proposals, but the Senate is “not ready” for a comprehensive AI bill at this time.
Artificial Intelligence
Pentagon official says US values will outcompete Beijing in AI
The U.S. continues to lead the global AI arms race with China “because it's powered by a free and open society, committed to responsible-use values and ideals,” according to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.
Cybersecurity
Nearly 300 comment on proposed CMMC rule
The Defense Department now has to process and respond to the comments before it issues the final version of the industry-wide rule in the fall.
People
Top Pentagon IT official departs deputy CIO role
Lily Zeleke will be taking over “new responsibilities” at the agency, though it’s still unknown what her new position is.
Artificial Intelligence
DOD’s generative AI task force looks for ‘blind spots’
The head of the Pentagon’s Task Force Lima initiative estimated that 60% of its use cases are for a chatbot.
Artificial Intelligence
DOD's AI strategy leans on high-quality data
Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Craig Martell said private sector companies will play a crucial role in the Pentagon’s adoption of AI technologies and the pursuit of high-quality data.
Cybersecurity
The Pentagon is notifying individuals affected by 2023 email data breach
The exposed contents were not secured with a password at the time of their compromise.
Artificial Intelligence
Adding generative AI to wargame training can improve realism, but not without risk
The next big move may be to make military simulations smarter, specifically by adding advanced AI so that the simulated adversaries can offer better challenges.
Cybersecurity
Proposed contractor cyber reporting rule sets a ‘significantly problematic’ bar, industry groups say
The groups, which represent tech and cybersecurity companies sometimes contracted by the government, say the proposals are too rigorous and inconsistent.
Defense
Defense Innovation Board looks to lock data access in 'all vendor agreements'
A recent study from the advisory group said data access requirements in the Pentagon’s vendor agreements are “fragmented and inconsistent” and called for Congress to take action.
Artificial Intelligence
Pentagon’s new bug bounty seeks to find bias in AI systems
The head of DOD’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office said “the outcome of the AI bias bounties could powerfully impact future DOD AI policies and adoption.”
Artificial Intelligence
DISA plots 'concierge AI' to help staffers
The agency is undertaking some early proof of concept initiatives, including a “concierge AI” tool, to see how emerging technologies can support its workforce.
Cybersecurity
Expect ‘AI versus AI’ cyber activity between US and adversaries, Pentagon official says
Researchers and officials say AI will usher in the next phase of cyber warfare, enabling new ways to carry out classic cyberattacks and build out new hacking tools.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon’s cyber red teams get clearer roles, governance
A document released by DOD’s chief information officer attempts to “address gaps in existing guidance” when it comes to the activities of the department’s cyber red teams.
Cybersecurity
Space Force is crafting in-house cyber teams but sees need for closer work with USCYBERCOM
U.S. Cyber Command has been “an incredible partner” to the Space Force but does not currently have any personnel from the military branch within its ranks, a top official said.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon issues proposed CMMC rule
The long-anticipated draft rule, which will be officially published on Dec. 26, outlines proposed updates to DOD’s cybersecurity requirements for defense contractors and subcontractors who handle sensitive military data.
Artificial Intelligence
Who is an AI worker? The Pentagon needs a better definition, GAO says
The Pentagon “can't fully identify who is part of its AI workforce or which positions require personnel with AI skills,” according to a new congressional watchdog report.
Artificial Intelligence
2024 NDAA eyes rapid ATOs for emerging tech
Artificial intelligence is also a hot topic within the annual defense policy bill.
Acquisition