Artificial Intelligence
How State’s Disinformation-Fighting Arm Uses Artificial Intelligence
A federal team is curbing disruptive online activities with innovative technologies.
Modernization
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.
Cybersecurity
The Hack Roundup: State Department Cyber Office Clears Committee Amid Push for International Norms
Here are the news and updates you might have missed.
Cybersecurity
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.
Modernization
State Department Wants a Small Business to Manage Its Cloud Office
The vendor will support the relatively new Cloud Program Management Office.
Cybersecurity
State’s New Cyber Office Brings Up Questions About Agency Roles
The House Homeland Security Chair and new Cybersecurity subcommittee leader say any cyber diplomacy should also tap CISA’s expertise.
Cybersecurity
The Hack Roundup: CISA Official Says 30% of Victims Didn’t Use SolarWinds
Here are the news and updates you may have missed.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Criticize State Department’s ‘Misguided Cyberspace Reorganization’
A bipartisan group of four lawmakers said the State Department’s proposed realignment would only serve to reinforce existing silos.
Cybersecurity
State Department Approves Creation of Cyber Bureau
The Cyberspace Security and Emerging Technologies Bureau will address national security- and diplomatic-related tech issues.
Digital Government
State Selects First Permanent Chief Data Officer
Matthew Graviss previously served as USCIS’ first CDO and will report to Janice deGarmo, who was recently promoted at State.
Ideas
Scientists Suggest U.S. Embassies Were Hit with High-Power Microwaves – Here's How the Weapons Work
The technology behind the suspected weapons is well understood and dates back to the Cold War arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
Cybersecurity
Biden Team Highlights Cybersecurity Focus With First Cabinet Picks
Familiar faces will likely have to revisit efforts around information sharing and establishing global norms.
Cybersecurity
State Department Facing 'Significant' Information Security Issues, OIG Says
Information security and management was one of seven major management and performance issues the State Department faced in fiscal year 2020.
Cybersecurity
Watchdog Highlights Need for Better Cyber Coordination Across Government
A pair of reports point to confusion about the State Department’s new cyber bureau and the vacuum left behind by the eliminated White House cyber coordinator position.
Cybersecurity
Managers Who Stay Connected to Remote Employees Could Reduce Insider Threats, State Official Says
Pandemic-related stress and isolation could push some employees over the edge.
Emerging Tech
State Department Brings Financing Partners to Help Fund Huawei Alternatives
The State Department is working with financial institutions to help close deals for Western technology providers around the globe, an official says.
Digital Government
Bill Would Push State Department to Clear Passport Backlog
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the backlog of Americans waiting for passports has ballooned to at least 1.4 million people.
Cybersecurity
China is Dumping Fiber Optic Cables in the Global Market, Commerce Official Says
The cables are key to the development of fifth-generation networks, and therefore a matter of national security for the Trump administration.
Digital Government
State Department Harnesses Data to Help Bring Americans Home Safely During the Pandemic
The agency turned to data-focused teams and products to help decision-makers prioritize options.
Podcasts