Cybersecurity
US has ‘a lot of work to do’ on cyber defenses, departing cyber czar says
Outgoing National Cyber Director Harry Coker thinks his office needs more influence over the federal cyber budget but not necessarily more authority on offensive cyber operations.
Cybersecurity
White House unveils Cyber Trust Mark program for consumer devices
The label is designed to help consumers make more cybersecure choices when they pick products off the shelf.
People
Biden to close federal agencies Jan. 9 for Carter day of mourning
The White House unveiled an executive order Monday giving federal employees Jan. 9 off in recognition of the death of the 39th president.
Ideas
Our approach to improper payments is failing; the 2024 numbers explain why
COMMENTARY | The numbers can hide what's going on.
Cybersecurity
Agencies look to automation software to usher in next phase of post-quantum security
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is working with select agencies to implement post-quantum cryptography, and will turn to vendors to further secure federal data.
Digital Government
Republican lawmakers ask Trump to kill IRS Direct File
The new program intended to enable free, online tax filing directly with the government has garnered controversy and praise since its inception.
Breaking News
Digital Government
Trump teams to deploy throughout government after reaching agreement with the Biden administration
The president-elect had previously refused to sign the agreement and is still sidestepping many of the steps typically required for presidential transitions.
Digital Government
Trump’s first White House debated the role of USDS. What will Trump 2.0 do?
The Office of Management and Budget led an effort to assess USDS — even whether it should exist — during the twilight days of the Trump administration. With another Trump White House incoming, the question of what’s next for the government’s digital SWAT team looms.
Cybersecurity
White House convened telecom leaders as details of Chinese espionage hack unfold
Many of the breached systems were not properly equipped with tools that recorded network activity, making it harder to quickly trace the origins of the hack, a person familiar said.
Policy
What Trump 2.0 means for tech and AI regulation
Tech CEO Elon Musk’s growing influence in the Trump transition was at the forefront of discussions.
People
‘Extraordinarily dangerous’: Intelligence community insiders warn against Trump’s DNI pick
Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has a “history of irresponsibly promoting misinformation,” said one official.
Digital Government
How the federal CIO is prepping for the presidential transition
Cybersecurity, customer experience and effective transition efforts have been top-of-mind for Clare Matorana in the last days of the Biden administration.
People
Major federal IT contracts to remove ‘unnecessary’ degree requirements
The push to focus on skills-based hiring for federal jobs dates back to the first Trump administration. The Biden White House has continued these efforts.
Digital Government
Satisfaction with government hits record high just before a new Trump admin
The incoming Trump administration casts an uncertain light on the customer experience gains made in recent years.
People
What Trump’s win means for the federal workforce
The Republican former president has vowed to remake the civil service in his image with the reinstatement of Schedule F.
Cybersecurity
Potential year-end cyber executive order may hinge on election results, people familiar say
The pending order will focus heavily on federal cyber standards and emerging tech threats, but remains in limbo amid the presidential election.
Cybersecurity
Biden admin issues restrictions on US investments into sensitive tech tied to China
The rule takes effect Jan. 2 and focuses on emerging technologies that may galvanize Chinese military advancements.
Artificial Intelligence
Biden signs first national security memorandum focused on AI
The document aims to balance artificial intelligence innovation and adoption with protections for privacy and civil liberties.
Artificial Intelligence
White House leads public-private commitment to curb AI-based sexually abusive material
Leading private sector companies signed voluntary agreements with the White House to train and monitor their AI models to avoid such misuse.
Cybersecurity