Tech
DOJ names its first chief AI officer
The new role is intended to focus on building a tech-ready workforce and interagency cooperation.
Tech
Feds preach vigilance amid multiple physical, cyber threats against election officials
In response, agencies as varied as CISA and the Postal Inspection Service are offering a slew of free and low-cost resources in a bid to help states and localities keep issues under control.
Tech
IRS opens up Direct File to the public
Interested taxpayers will have to watch the IRS website to see when the tool is open for new users.
Tech
Biden to sign executive order boosting cybersecurity of ports, maritime vessels
The order empowers the Coast Guard to shore up cyber protections for maritime systems and harden current cyber incident reporting rules.
Tech
USDA seeks fellows for its new digital service team
The tour-of-duty positions will “act as firefighters” to address pressing challenges across the Department of Agriculture, according to the agency’s CIO.
Tech
NSA cyber director to step down after 34 years of service
His departure comes amid heightened security fears in 2024 and debate over whether to renew a controversial spying power.
Tech
Lawmakers urge VA to tread carefully with AI
The Department of Veteran Affairs’ 2023 inventory of AI use cases listed over 100 instances where VA is working to use emerging technologies, with at least 40 of those examples in an operational phase.
Tech
FTC cracks down on AI impersonation scammers
The Federal Trade Commission is looking to extend its authority to target fraudsters impersonating individuals in scams. The proposed rule covers the misuse of generative artificial intelligence and other technologies.
Tech
The Pentagon is notifying individuals affected by 2023 email data breach
The exposed contents were not secured with a password at the time of their compromise.
Tech
Commerce advisory committee urges government to boost startup access to talent and funding
Congress should fully fund the Economic Development Administration’s regional technology and innovation hubs program to help the U.S. tech sector maintain its global leadership, according to the committee.
Tech
Some 6,600 current and former employees impacted in a January GAO data breach
The breach, which also included some companies doing business with GAO, may further galvanize concerns about the federal government’s ability to defend itself from cyber intrusions.
Tech
How DHS is providing security tech and cyber support for Super Bowl LVIII
The Homeland Security Department said it is “leveraging its significant technology assets and dedicated personnel” to protect the Feb. 11 matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tech
Contracts featuring automation and built-in security can boost agencies’ cyber defenses, VA officials say
As the federal government looks to harden its cyber resilience, officials from the Veterans Affairs Department said agencies should work to modernize outdated technologies and ensure that vendor contracts include more rigorous security standards.
Tech
How Congress is gearing up to take advantage of generative AI
The House is working on new AI specific policies, guidance and training.
Tech
Proposed contractor cyber reporting rule sets a ‘significantly problematic’ bar, industry groups say
The groups, which represent tech and cybersecurity companies sometimes contracted by the government, say the proposals are too rigorous and inconsistent.
Tech
Autonomous tech featured in Senate border and foreign aid bill
The Senate’s proposed $118 billion immigration and foreign aid package includes more than $260 million to deploy emerging technologies to secure the border.
Tech
Who should be in charge of protecting our water systems from cyber threats?
Federal officials don’t agree. Recent hacks on water systems exposed their vulnerabilities. But while some want the EPA to play a stronger role, others emphasized that local systems are best suited to defend themselves.
Tech
Vet centers need better systems, data to enhance support services
Watchdog officials warned lawmakers that the community-based counseling centers for returning veterans use a platform for identifying those at high risk of suicide that is “neither effectively nor consistently utilized.”
Tech
National Cyber Strategy needs better implementation measures, GAO argues
The White House Office of the National Cyber Director can improve on performance measures and cost estimations, the U.S. federal oversight agency said in a Thursday analysis.
Tech