Defense Scoop

How DARPA is looking to AI to fend off cyber vulnerabilities through a challenge program

Cybersecurity firms have pioneered the use of artificial intelligence in their products, but the latest generation of AI technology offers hope that a greater share of the work to secure computer systems could be automated. A new competition at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency aims to jump start efforts to build open source AI tools to find and fix vulnerabilities. Program Manager Perri Adams leads that effort and recently caught up with my colleague Elias Grolls on the CyberScoop Safe Mode podcast to discuss how to encourage developers to build tools that anyone might use to secure computer systems. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

The Pentagon’s new principal deputy CIO shares her vision

Last month, FedScoop hosted its annual FedTalks in Washington D.C. In its 14th year, the event is the largest annual gathering of C-level executives, leaders and innovators from the government and tech community. Leslie Beavers, principal deputy CIO for the Department of Defense, delivered the closing keynote at the event and showcased the work the Pentagon is doing in cybersecurity, digital transformation and modernization. Listen now to Beavers’ closing FedTalk. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

Building out edge compute capabilities for DOD tactical operations

Building out edge compute capabilities for DOD tactical operations by Defense Scoop

Why it’s critical for the U.S. to position itself as the leader in generative AI

The Special Competitive Studies Project, which has continued the work of the now dissolved National Security Commission on AI, issued its latest report this week on generative AI and its impact on the global competitive landscape. That report states, among other things, that recent advancements in AI come as transformations in geopolitical structuring resemble that of the days leading up to World War I. And because of that, “This moment provides the United States government with a unique opportunity to lead with conviction as humanity enters a new era.“ Ylli Buy-Rak-Tari is the CEO and President of the Special Competitive Studies Project, and he joins me now to discuss the major takeaways from SCSP’s new report and the stakes at play for the U.S. as it looks to embrace AI for defense, national security and more.

Why the DOD cares about climate change and climate resiliency

Climate change and defense – two topics that you don’t often think about together. But in recent years, the Defense Department has made sustainability, climate and energy resiliency top priorities related to national security. And it makes sense – not only is the DOD one of the largest energy consumers in the world, but in the digital age, emerging threats put the department’s access to energy at risk in novel and new ways. Joining me to discuss the DOD’s focus on the climate and energy, how innovative technology plays a role in that and what’s coming next is Brendan Owens, assistant secretary of defense for energy, installation and environment.