Science & Tech
Bitcoin-Style Security May Soon Guard US Nukes and Satellites
‘Blockchains' could offer crucial intelligence on whether a hacker has modified a database, or whether they’re surveilling a particular military system.
Ideas
The US Accused Russia of Hacking. What Happens Next Will Set a Cyber War Precedent
After blaming Russia for trying to tamper with the presidential election, the White House will want to choose its next move carefully.
Science & Tech
Data-Theft Arrest Shows that Insider Threat Remains Despite Post-Snowden Security Improvements
The recent arrest of an NSA contractor shows that the intelligence community has much further to go in stopping insider threats.
Science & Tech
The US Army’s Next Drone May Fit in a Soldier’s Pocket
The service could start buying palm-sized UAVs to complement its Pumas and Ravens as soon as 2018, according to one official.
Science & Tech
Here’s How Countries Like China, Russia Control Online Dissent
Look at the physical systems that make up internet infrastructure, and you find a network that is a lot more centralized than you might think.
Science & Tech
The CIA Says It Can Predict Social Unrest as Early as 3 to 5 Days Out
The reason: a dramatic improvement in analytics, cloud computing and ‘deep learning.’
Science & Tech
Tank Maker Teams Up With Remote-Control Car Company
General Dynamics and Kairos look to bridge the gap from here to autonomy.
Science & Tech
UK Is Crowdsourcing Its Swarming Drone Attacks
It’s looking for ways to allow a single soldier to control up to 20 drones at once.
Ideas
Private Companies Shouldn’t Be The Ones Crying ‘State-Sponsored Hack!’
If the U.S. government doesn't start officially attributing cyberattacks, it risks losing control of the narrative and evolving legal norms.
Science & Tech
GM Has Built A Stealth Truck for the Army
A new hydrogen fuel cell truck could put snipers behind enemy lines, in style.
Science & Tech
Beyond Big Dog: The US Army Searches for an Infantry Squadbot
Service officials have a concept of operations and a plan to deploy a cargo-carrying robot alongside dismounted soldiers in 2019. But can the acquisition system keep up?
Science & Tech
US Army Racing to Catch Up to Russia On Battle Drones
After watching UAVs dominate eastern Ukrainian skies, the service is seeking counter-drone tech and new families of flying robots.
Science & Tech
Report: Weapons AI Increasingly Replacing, Not Augmenting, Human Decision Making
A new survey of existing and planned smart weapons finds that AI is increasingly used to replace humans, not help them.
Science & Tech
How the US Air Force is Rapidly Mobilizing For Cyber War
New ideas about defense and new tables of organization are reshaping the service’s ideas about battle.
Science & Tech
Tomorrow’s Downed Pilots May Be Rescued by an Osprey-Black Hawk Team
A U.S. Air Force chief of staff who was shot down over Serbia has reenergized the debate over the best way to do combat search and rescue.
Science & Tech
The Air Force Is Starting to Think About Its Next Strike Aircraft
Service leaders are laying groundwork for a new strike capability — even as they work to unground their F-35s.
Science & Tech
Sikorsky’s New Ace in the Hole: Lockheed’s Skunk Works
The newly acquired helicopter maker is tapping into Lockheed Martin’s famed advanced tech division.
Science & Tech
Tomorrow’s Laser-Armed Helicopter Drones
First come powerful generators, then autonomy, then directed energy, says LightningStrike maker.
Science & Tech
The Man in Charge of Stopping the Next Snowden
Moving past the summer of 2013 has proven difficult for the intelligence community.
Science & Tech