Tag: public sector
91 articles
UK Bolsters AI Security with New Vulnerability Detection Plans
The UK is turbocharging its AI security by harnessing cutting-edge technology to detect and fix vulnerabilities in its public-sector IT systems - a move that's already shown impressive results, slashing the time to resolve weaknesses from 50 days to just eight. With this momentum, the government aims to further fortify its defenses against emerging AI threats.
Autonomous Endpoint Management Gains Urgency in Public Sector Networks
Public sector networks are facing a daunting challenge: managing tens of thousands of endpoints scattered across diverse environments, from remote mountain sites to manned stations and mobile units. Take the Coast Guard, for instance, which operates 1,500 locations worldwide, each with its own unique connectivity and security needs.
UK Rail Police's Facial Recognition Trial Yields Zero Matches
The UK Rail Police's six-month facial recognition trial was a costly and time-consuming effort that yielded a surprising result: zero matches, despite scanning over 500,000 faces. The £320,000 trial, which took up almost 100 hours of officer time, produced just one false positive alert and no arrests.
Agencies Expand Digital Access to Enhance Citizen Experiences
The Library of Congress is revolutionizing citizen experiences by ramping up its digital presence, with a staggering 15 million monthly visits to its digital spaces. By embedding digital strategies across all lines of work, the institution is swiftly responding to changing user needs.
UK Shifts Cybersecurity Governance to Service-Led Model
The UK's 2022 "defend as one" cybersecurity approach hit a roadblock, faltering on the assumption that simply issuing standards and requiring assurance would drive compliance across its sprawling, 465-strong network of ministries, agencies, and public bodies. A new service-led model for cybersecurity governance is taking its place.
Agencies Leverage Data, AI to Optimize Citizen Service Delivery
As agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, and Department of Veterans Affairs face mounting pressure with shrinking budgets and soaring demand, they're turning to data and AI to revolutionize citizen service delivery. By harnessing the power of AI, agencies can cut through complexity, identify conflicts, and build a unified knowledge system to better serve citizens.
Federal Agencies Scramble to Optimize IT Spend Before Fiscal Year-End Deadlines
As the federal government's fiscal year-end deadline looms in September, agencies face a critical choice: spend remaining budget authority wisely to drive IT modernization forward, or risk losing funding that could hinder progress for years to come. This September is more than just a ledger-closing exercise - it's a make-or-break moment for modernization programs that will impact the future of federal agencies.
Public Sector Braces for Identity-Based Attacks
In today's digital landscape, your identity is the key that unlocks access to all your applications and services - making it the new perimeter that public sector organizations must fiercely protect. When identity infrastructure is compromised, attackers can gain a foothold for long-term persistence and privilege escalation, putting entire operations at risk.
Japan's Digital Agency Breach Exposes 246,000 Personnel Records
A shocking security breach at Japan's Digital Agency has exposed a staggering 246,000 personnel records after a third-party hacker exploited a vulnerability in a network-connected device to gain unauthorized access to the system. The breach was only discovered on July 9, after a large-scale file access was detected from a staff member's account on June 25.
Federal CIOs Confront IT Complexity With New Strategies
Federal CIOs are shifting their focus from technology for its own sake to delivering real business value, with a clear emphasis on centering citizens and driving meaningful outcomes. By adopting this approach, they're finding a balance between modernizing IT and ensuring responsible stewardship.
California Election Official Taps Convicted Felon as Consultant
Shasta County registrar Clint Curtis revealed that he's offered a consulting role to Tina Peters, a convicted felon, to help oversee California's 2026 midterm elections, but she's yet to agree due to concerns about potential roadblocks and ensuring everything is above board.
DDoS Attack Disrupts Norwegian Government Services
Norway's government services were hit by a massive DDoS attack, leaving them partially or completely unavailable for periods of time, with issues like slow login times and disrupted operations. The Norwegian Digitalisation Agency reported the incident, which affected a wide range of critical public IT services.
US Government Cyber Experts Warn of AI-Driven Security Challenges
The US Coast Guard faces a daunting task in keeping its vast network secure, with 1,500 global locations - including remote sites in Alaska and Maine that are only accessible by snowmobile - making routine maintenance and patching a logistical nightmare. This dispersed footprint poses significant cyber security challenges, especially when combined with environmental constraints.
Police Conceal Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras
In Wapello County, Iowa, police are instructed to keep their use of Flock surveillance cameras under wraps, with a usage policy explicitly telling officers not to mention the technology to vehicle occupants or in official reports unless absolutely necessary. This secretive approach raises questions about transparency and accountability.
AI Streamlines FOIA Requests, Easing Agency Backlogs
Federal agencies drowning in a sea of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests can breathe a sigh of relief with AI-enabled platforms that streamline the entire process, from intake to reporting, in one secure workflow. By modernizing their approach, agencies can tackle mounting backlogs, complex data sources, and rising transparency expectations with ease.
Scottish Prosecutors Investigate Supplier After Staff Data Compromised
A data security breach has hit a Scottish Government partner, compromising sensitive information of around 300 Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) staff who took part in a public sector survey. The incident is under investigation, but COPFS confirms its own systems remain secure.
Swiss Government SharePoint Breach Exposes 200 Accounts
The Swiss government's Microsoft SharePoint system was breached, compromising the login credentials of around 200 accounts, after security specialists detected unusual activity on July 28. The breach was quickly contained and remediated, with external internet access to the SharePoint environment blocked and patches applied.
UK Government Investments Exposes Official Contact Data in 40-Hour Breach
A simple mistake by a staff member at UK Government Investments left sensitive contact information of 51 government officials exposed to the public for a staggering 40 hours. The breach, revealed in the organization's annual report, highlights the importance of following basic security protocols to protect official data.
AI in Government: Automation Targets Inefficiencies in Citizen Services Delivery
Understaffed public agencies are struggling to deliver efficient citizen services, but AI and automation can help bridge the gap by accelerating effective processes and exposing areas for improvement. By leveraging AI, governments can optimize operations and make the most of limited resources.
Unions Challenge Pentagon's Abrupt End to Collective Bargaining
Two federal employee unions are taking a stand against the Pentagon's sudden move to scrap collective bargaining agreements, asking a judge to restore their rights and hold the Department of Defense accountable to a fair process. The American Federation of Government Employees and the National Federation of Federal Employees argue that Secretary Pete Hegseth's April decision was made without justification or transparency.
Public Sector AI Adoption Exposes Data Trust Gap
As public agencies move advanced AI from pilots to mission-critical operations, they face a major hurdle: a data trust gap that's holding back widespread adoption. The root of the problem lies in the disconnect between the data architectures of today and the requirements of trustworthy AI.
Ransomware Targets Government Agencies Daily, Study Reveals
Government agencies are under attack, with ransomware hitting a staggering 187 organizations in just six months - that's one body disrupted every single day, on average. This alarming trend is up 13% from the previous half-year, leaving public services vulnerable and citizens at risk.
Military Recruiters Leverage Mobile Tech to Engage Prospects
Military recruiters are revolutionizing their approach with mobile tech, making connectivity a powerful tool to engage prospects on-the-go. With real-time access, they can work from anywhere and stay connected with potential recruits.
Federal Cyber Rotation Program Fails to Gain Traction
The Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce program, launched in 2022, has seen a surprisingly low uptake, with only eight participants out of 634 applicants, despite 13 agencies offering 106 positions. This falls short of its goal to develop a more versatile and agile cyber workforce.