Author Archive

Alexandra Kelley

Staff Correspondent, Nextgov/FCW

Alexandra Kelley
Alexandra Kelley reports on emerging technology for Nextgov/FCW. Her most recent post was covering breaking news for The Hill where she focused on a variety of quantitative subjects, including Big Tech and the economy, in addition to covering the coronavirus pandemic since late 2019. She graduated from Kenyon College in 2017.
Policy

DHS releases guidance for AI in critical infrastructure

The Department of Homeland Security worked with its diverse AI Safety and Security Board to develop a holistic approach for securing critical infrastructure that leverages AI technologies.

Science & Tech

So you want to build a quantum computer?

It takes expertise in multiple scientific disciplines, researchers at Argonne National Lab say.

Threats

US companies are unwittingly pushing foreign disinformation, IC warns

Malicious actors are hiring unwitting communications and marketing firms to help, intelligence officials said Monday.

Threats

Memo on AI's national-security implications heads for Biden's desk

The classified memo is expected to propose rules against using AI in certain scenarios.

Science & Tech

Senators seek to advance AI capabilities at national labs

Proposed legislation looks to give the U.S. national laboratories a strong artificial intelligence infrastructure while acknowledging associated risks.

Science & Tech

Army to seek industry help on AI

"We're not gonna develop our algorithms better than y’all,” a service acquisition leader told an industry conference.

Threats

DHS details how AI could amplify biological, chemical threats

While access to laboratory facilities is still a hurdle, a new report notes that cloud labs could allow the stealthy development of weapons components. 

Policy

UN adopts resolution to keep AI 'safe, secure and trustworthy'

The U.S.-led effort garnered the support of more than 120 countries—including China.

Defense Systems

Feds to compete for cyber glory at fifth annual President's Cup

CISA officials say the annual cybersecurity game aims to highlight the cyber-talented and educate the rest.

Science & Tech

NIST wants a dictionary of AI development

“It's difficult, but really important to make sure that we're all having the same understanding of terms such as bias,” an official from the National Institute of Standards and Technology said.

Science & Tech

DHS aims to lead in fight against ‘adversarial’ AI

The Homeland Security Department is already putting artificial-intelligence tools to use—largely against AI-powered threats.

Policy

US, UK publish guidance for secure-by-design AI

The first-of-its-kind international effort aims to set standards for cybersecurity in artificial-intelligence software.

Science & Tech

DARPA seeks AI-powered ‘autonomous scientist’ to help researchers

The agency wants to do for scientists what AI code generators have done for programmers.

Threats

Troops' data is for sale. That puts national security at risk: report

Foreign or malicious actors can get what they need to target military personnel and their families for blackmail, disinfo, and more, Duke researchers find.

Science & Tech

NIST's new quantum switch aims to smooth path toward a functional computer

No one knows just how to build a useful quantum computer, but the agency is working on devices that may help.

Policy

White House Releases Guidelines for Responsible AI Development

The Biden administration lists its priorities for federal R&D in artificial intelligence—and asks for suggestions about allaying the risks.

Policy

DHS Is Trying to Predict How AI Will Be Used for Harm

The coming inclusion of AI in critical infrastructure will open new and ill-understood vulnerabilities, the agency's Science and Technology Directorate leader says.

Science & Tech

'Major Technical Challenges' Hinder Path to Responsible AI, NIST Official Says

Effective AI governance starts with developing metrics for trust—and that itself is fiendishly difficult.

Policy

New National Cyber Strategy: Raise Defensive Baseline for Critical Infrastructure

The White House wants to get electrical systems, gas pipelines, water treatment plants, and more up to a consistent level of cybersecurity.