Amid the continuing barrage of news regarding the incoming Trump Administration, government tech media outlets were mainly focused on the implications for cybersecurity policy. We’ve compiled some of the trending news in our latest roundup:
The New Administration’s Impacts on Cybersecurity
Much of the post-election coverage this week in government tech media focused on forthcoming changes at CISA and other cybersecurity-related issues:
- The biggest news in the government cybersecurity world was the announced departure of Jen Easterly, the head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and her deputy Nitin Natarajan in January. Alexandra Kelley and David DiMolfetta of Nextgov/FCW wrote that the announcement “casts doubt on the agency’s future.” At MeriTalk, Grace Dille reported that other CISA departures will include executive assistant directors Jeff Greene and David Mussington.
- In CyberScoop, Tim Starks published an article on the cybersecurity implications of the nomination of Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Starks notes that Noem stood against cybersecurity grants to state and local governments but has otherwise promoted the industry.
- Starks also covered remarks by Anne Neuberger, the outgoing White House deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology, on her hope that the incoming administration will “build a framework for minimum cybersecurity standards for critical infrastructure companies, establish cybersecurity grants for those in need and deepen international partnerships.” In her coverage for MeriTalk, Cate Burgan noted that Neuberger’s concerns focused on three areas: China, ransomware and AI.
- David Berteau, head of the Professional Services Council industry group, was interviewed by Tom Temin of Federal News Network on what the incoming administration may mean to federal contractors, including a discussion of the future of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program which was initiated during the first Trump Administration.
- Also at Federal News Network, Jory Heckman has the story on concerns that the Trump Administration’s approach to the government transition is opening the process to cyberthreats.
- Veteran tech reporter Robert Lemos, who occasionally covers government cybersecurity for tech trade Dark Reading, wrote in that publication that changes at the White House will “likely result in a new set of cyber threats” and less regulation.
- And on perhaps a calming note, take a look at Nick Wakeman’s column in Washington Technology about how change also brings opportunity. He writes: “With the change in administration, we can count on some things not changing, such as the importance of cybersecurity.”
Government Tech to Make Your Life Better
Moving away from the hand-wringing that comes with major changes in government, we saw multiple articles on how government agencies are planning to use innovative technology to serve citizens more efficiently and make our lives safer and easier:
- There were several pieces on new research showing increasing satisfaction with government services. Natalie Alms reported in Nextgov/FCW that this year’s survey registered the highest four-year increase in satisfaction since the program started in 1999. Burgan wrote in MeriTalk that satisfaction is at its highest since 2017. In FedScoop, Matt Bracken shared the good news while noting the “uncertainty” the administration change brings with regard to government services.
- As a possible example of improving government service, multiple publications reported on a new Department of Veterans Affairs program to apply technology to expand access to telehealth services for veterans. The program will expand coverage to rural and underserved communities, according to an article by Dille for MeriTalk. In his coverage, Edward Graham of Nextgov/FCW wrote that the program will provide secure video applications and reliable high-speed internet to those communities. Arthur McMiller also had the story for ExecutiveGov.
- The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking comments from industry on how to apply AI to help make air travel safer, according to a report by Burgan in MeriTalk.
- On a recent episode of the Fed Gov Today show, host Francis Rose interviewed experts on government programs that leverage technology to tackle issues such as disease tracking and global energy delivery.
- Nikki Henderson reported for GovCIO Media on a Department of Energy program to apply AI to efforts to promote clean energy.
- In local government news, the City of Baltimore is using blockchain technology to prevent fraud related to property title records, according to an article by Kaitlyn Levinson in Route 50. Levinson also reported on how federal and state government agencies are cooperating to apply data analytics to efforts to help protect communities from the ravages of extreme heat.
Finally, we’d like to note an excellent article by Justin Doubleday for Federal News Network on DHS guidance on proposed best practices for the secure use of AI in critical infrastructure organizations. The article reports on “voluntary responsibilities for the use of AI in the 16 U.S. critical infrastructure sectors.”
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