Cybersecurity
U.S.-Spain Summit Aims to Promote Tech Advancement in Nations That Don't 'Diminish Freedom’
The first U.S.-Spain Cybersecurity Seminar emphasized a transatlantic partnership against cybercrimes, set against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Emerging Tech
If Russia Hacks a U.S. Satellite, Then What?
A Russian official warned that impacting their satellites would be considered a declaration of war, but the U.S. stance is more circumspect.
Digital Government
State Department Confirms ‘Defect’ Led to Resolved Global IT Outage
Officials said it had nothing to do with malicious foreign activity.
Policy
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.
Cybersecurity
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.
Digital Government
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.
Cybersecurity
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.
Emerging Tech
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.
Digital Government
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.
Digital Government
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.
Cybersecurity
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.
Digital Government
'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.
Modernization
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.
Emerging Tech
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.
Emerging Tech
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.
Cybersecurity
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.
Cybersecurity
Key State Department Systems ‘Require Management Attention,' IG Says
The inspector general found multiple expired authorizations to operate.
Cybersecurity
Justice Took Down Two Domains Used in USAID Hack
The action demonstrates the department’s authorities beyond attributing malicious cyber activity.
Cybersecurity
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.
Cybersecurity