Threats

China’s Information Warriors Are Growing More Disciplined, Say US Cyber Leaders

And some U.S. cyber leaders worry that the American military’s approach is too reactive and defensive.

Science & Tech

Why You Can’t Shoot Terrorists With Lasers, Yet

Military leaders are eager to have the precision of a directed-energy weapon — yet plenty of legal and practical obstacles remain.

Science & Tech

The Next Big War Will Turn on AI, Says US Secret-Weapons Czar

William Roper says the military must get better at feeding the voracious learning algorithms that will fight future battles.

Science & Tech

Russia Joins US in Race to Field Gun-Launched Swarmbots

A pair of Russian programs hastens the day that drone swarms may meet each other over the battlefield.

Science & Tech

Why Fake News Spreads: A Neurological Explanation

The logical part of your brain really, really likes listening to the social part, which just wants to fit in.

Policy

GOP Lawmaker to FBI: Stop the Leaks in Russia Probe or Lose A Key Surveillance Tool

After top cop confirms investigating the Trump campaign, a House member threatens to hold investigatory powers hostage.

Science & Tech

US Army to Test Powerful New Truck-Mounted Laser ‘Within Months’

New solid-state lasers plus ever-more-powerful mobile generators brings directed energy weapons a big step closer to reality.

Science & Tech

Yahoo, Erectile Dysfunction Meds, and the Sloppy Future of Russian Spying

Two hackers hired by FSB agents started running side scams. Now Moscow has account data on half a billion Yahoo users.

Policy

Flynn, Turkey, and the Long Paper Trail Trump Missed

An Erdogan government insider had contracts with Flynn’s group going back to the campaign, documents filed by Trump’s former national security advisor’s firm show.

Science & Tech

As Missile Defense Technology Improves, So Do Odds of an Arms Race in the Pacific

Next year, the U.S. plans to deploy a shipboard interceptor to help protect Japan. China and Russia will not be amused.

Science & Tech

Pentagon Advisers Want Cyber ‘Tiger Teams,’ More Authorities for Cyber Command

Pentagon advisers: We need more infrastructure cybersecurity. Congress: We want more election-hacking security.

Threats

UN Report Alleges Syrian War Crimes in Aleppo, Rebutting Russian Denials

The document backs up open-source and think-tank reporting on the Assad regime’s use of chlorine gas.

Science & Tech

Counter-Terror Chief: Expect Terrorist Drone Swarms 'Soon'

An upcoming competition will spotlight systems for downing enemy UAVs attacking solo or in groups.

Science & Tech

How Trump’s Immigrant Dragnet Might Catch Your Personal Data, Too

A DHS rule change aimed at undocumented immigrants could invade the personal privacy of fare more people than the ones they’re targeting.

Policy

How McMaster Could Change the Way the US Goes to War

How did Trump’s new National Security Advisor win over the President — and what changes might he make in his new role?

Science & Tech

The Man who led the Syrian Train-and-Equip Effort Wants A Cultural Translation App

The complex, delicate missions of today and tomorrow need a better way to bring fused intelligence to operators.

Policy

Will Trump Repeal Sanctions on Russia? A Conversation with an NSC Planner

We asked Kevin Harrington, deputy assistant to the president for strategic planning, whether he could square the mixed signals coming from the White House.

Science & Tech

For the US Army, 'Cyber War' Is Quickly Becoming Just 'War'

Combat brigades will soon head into firefights with cyber specialists…and possibly IT lawyers.