Ideas
Building quantum-safe foundations for federal data resilience
COMMENTARY | A data-first approach can help agencies avoid turning post-quantum cryptography adoption into a multi-year overhaul.
Artificial Intelligence
Is artificial intelligence a friend, foe or frenemy? NIST wants to find out
The standards agency will be hosting a working session to discuss how AI-empowered attacks can be used to sometimes get around traditional defenses.
Emerging Tech
A new lunar benchmark: NIST’s moonlight data brings satellites into focus
NIST is releasing the first set of what it’s calling the Moonlight Radiometric Reference Dataset, a trove of data so precise that it could change the way we see our own planet.
Digital Government
NIST releases final digital identity guidelines after years of drafts
The new guidelines remove mentions of equity that NIST had included in previous draft updates.
Emerging Tech
NIST uncorks the bottle on entire pancreatic cancer genome
The secret to the success of the program was an anonymous cancer patient who fully consented to making the genetic code of her cancer cells publicly available.
Digital Government
Government is making moves on mobile drivers licenses, GSA administrator says
Login.gov is planning on adding mDLs by March of next year.
Emerging Tech
NIST works to bring more everyday understanding to quantum science
The agency is celebrating 2025 being designated as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology with an educational campaign.
Cybersecurity
Forthcoming NIST profile to address growing AI-cyber challenges
The Cyber AI Profile, currently in development, could help firms better prepare for hackers that use AI tools to enhance their cyberattacks, a top NIST official said at the RSAC Conference.
Artificial Intelligence
NIST releases finalized guidelines on protecting AI from attacks
The final guidance for defending against adversarial machine learning offers specific solutions for different attacks, but warns current mitigation is still developing.
Cybersecurity
NIST’s vulnerability database logjam is still growing despite attempts to clear it
Vulnerability submissions increased 32% in 2024, NIST said. The agency is considering machine learning to automate certain vulnerability analysis tasks.
Artificial Intelligence
AI advisory committee has voted to finalize transition recommendations for the new admin
The National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee’s report will offer recommendations on 10 AI components to the Trump White House.
People
NIST fires over 70 probationary employees
Terminations also occurred at the National Technical Information Service, despite the California court ruling that the government's personnel agency doesn't have the authority to order firings.
Emerging Tech
Trump’s Commerce pick backs light-touch regulation in emerging tech policy
Howard Lutnick voiced robust support for U.S. leadership in AI and quantum information sciences alongside a light touch regulatory approach.
Cybersecurity
NIST issues updated cyber guides focused on assessments and communication
Two new volumes were released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology that aim to broaden the publication’s applicability to organizations outside federal agencies.
Artificial Intelligence
NIST sets up new task force on AI and national security
The Testing Risks of AI for National Security Taskforce will bring federal expertise to test artificial intelligence models in critical use cases.
Emerging Tech
More than a decade later, NIST’s home of the future is still ahead of its time
NIST wanted to show that energy efficiency did not have to make a residence look like a spaceship, or be uncomfortable to live in.
Emerging Tech
NIST approves 14 new quantum encryption algorithms for standardization
Following the release of the first set of post-quantum encryption algorithms, the National Institute of Standards and Technology is advancing a second series of options to protect important data.
People
NIST director to exit in January
Laurie Locascio will finish out the year in her current position at the National Institute of Standards and Technology before leaving to head a standards nonprofit.
Digital Government
Why governments are ‘particularly well-positioned’ to offer identity validation
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, governments that use its guidance to offer attribute validation services may have to rely less often on commercial data for identity.
Emerging Tech