State

Women Report from the Frontlines of Federal Cryptocurrency Governance

Over the course of 2021, Congress and the administration have recognized significant benefits from diving into the technology, a trend that looks poised to continue.

  • By Mariam Baksh

U.S. Government Acts Against Alleged REvil Hackers

The Justice Department announced two indictments while the State Department offered $10 million for information on other conspirators. 

  • By Mariam Baksh

Pentagon Removes Thousands of Images of the War in Afghanistan from Website

The move, which officials said is temporary, was prompted by concerns that the Taliban would retaliate against Afghans depicted in them, the Defense Department said.

  • By Brandi Vincent

Cybersecurity Is One of Five Pillars in State’s Modernization Initiative

In addition to creating two new positions to handle international cyber and emerging tech issues, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is calling for a 50% increase in the department’s IT budget.

  • By Mariam Baksh

State Department Wants to Disrupt Colombian Coca Harvest with Drones

Training for a team from the South American nation's police force is also needed.

  • By Brandi Vincent

State Department Wants Data at the Core of its Strategic and Diplomatic Operations

Chief Data Officer Matthew Graviss detailed how the new guidelines came together—and data-centered work that’s already unfolding.

  • By Brandi Vincent

IG: State Office of the Science and Tech Adviser Needs Stable Leadership and a Formal Strategy

The 10-year-old office has done good work, the inspector general found, but suffers from staff turnover and a lack of strategic vision.

  • By Aaron Boyd

IG: 5 Things USAID Needs to Do to Better Protect Personally Identifiable Information

A recent audit showed gaps remain in the agency’s policies despite progress over the last seven years.

  • By Aaron Boyd

'We’re Preparing for the Worst-Case Scenarios'

U.S. Agency for Global Media says it "will not back down" in Afghanistan despite the danger.

  • By Courtney Bublé

State Department Still Struggling With 5-Year-Old Recommendations to Fix IT Management Issues

The agency is doing better about reporting through its internal system but six of seven outstanding issues remain a concern for the inspector general.

  • By Aaron Boyd

State to Supply Costa Rican Police With Drones to Crack Down on Drug Trade

The program would start with eight small UAS, with plans to increase the number to 40 or more if successful.

  • By Aaron Boyd

State Wants Better Bots and Processes For Its Help Desk

The Consolidated Customer Support office already manages eight bots, but an ongoing project requires more user-centric automation.

  • By Aaron Boyd

Agencies Unveil Plans to Fight Ransomware—Including Paying for Tips

The State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information about attackers targeting U.S. critical infrastructure.

  • By Mariam Baksh

Key State Department Systems ‘Require Management Attention,' IG Says

The inspector general found multiple expired authorizations to operate.

  • By Frank Konkel
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Justice Took Down Two Domains Used in USAID Hack 

The action demonstrates the department’s authorities beyond attributing malicious cyber activity.  

  • By Mariam Baksh

Russia’s Latest Hack Shows How Useful ‘Criminal Groups’ Are to the Kremlin

Russian coders have little choice but to work with their government, which in turn denies any knowledge of their activities. That’s why hacking activity shows no sign of slowing.

  • By Patrick Tucker

State Department Needs a Tool to Scan Its Worldwide Network for Vulnerabilities

The department is exploring a “lifecycle refresh” for its Enterprise Vulnerability Scanning Solution program.

  • By Aaron Boyd

How State’s Disinformation-Fighting Arm Uses Artificial Intelligence

A federal team is curbing disruptive online activities with innovative technologies.

  • By Brandi Vincent

State Department Floats $4B Vehicle to Consolidate Its IT Contracts

The new contract vehicle will also shift the agency’s strategy to focus on fixing problems instead of buying tech.

  • By Aaron Boyd

The Hack Roundup: State Department Cyber Office Clears Committee Amid Push for International Norms

Here are the news and updates you might have missed.

  • By Mariam Baksh

CISA Chief Says the Agency’s Global Initiative Is to Support the State Department  

International cybersecurity work of both the State and Homeland Security departments will rely on support from Congress.

  • By Mariam Baksh