Science & Tech

The Pentagon Is About to Launch A Big Database for Screening National Security Workers

The new DISS will merge two tools as part of the effort to reform the security clearance process.

Ideas

Need a New Security Clearance? Here Are 5 Things You Should Know

If you work for the government, you need to understand the process and the terminology.

Science & Tech

US Spies Are Building Software to Spot Your Suspicious Behavior In Live Video

The program is called Deep Intermodal Video Analytics—or DIVA—and it seeks to locate shooters and terrorists before they strike.

Science & Tech

The Military Is Building an Employee Database to Predict Traitors

The “DoD Component Insider Threat Records System” is part of the U.S. government's response to the 2010 leaks of classified diplomatic cables by former Pfc. Chelsea Manning.

Science & Tech

Federal Background Checks Will Soon Involve Your Life on Facebook

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper signed a policy Thursday allowing investigators to scan public social media posts when deciding whether to issue a security clearance.

Ideas

Transparency’s Double-Edged Sword

Even as ubiquitous surveillance helps hold governments accountable, it can also make tense situations less stable.

Ideas

The Pentagon's Intel Chief Already Has Some Advice for the Next US President

'The integration of intelligence of the past 15 years is a journey that is not finished,' said Marcel Lettre, undersecretary of Defense for intelligence.

Science & Tech

How Traffic to This YouTube Video Predicts ISIS Attacks

One company is using metadata from video posts, Wikipedia entries, and other sites to forecast geopolitical unrest.

Science & Tech

What’s Your ‘Insider Threat Score?’ It Could Determine If You Keep Your Clearance

The new National Background Investigation Bureau thinks screening people with classified access can determine their likelihood of going rogue.

Science & Tech

The Supreme Court Just Expanded the FBI's Hacking Powers

The new changes will go into effect in December unless Congress votes to override them, which doesn't appear likely.

Science & Tech

The Future of Intelligence Sharing Is Coming Together in the Syrian War

Fifteen years after 9/11, America's intelligence community finally has a rapid, modern sharing system.

Threats

The NSA Has No Idea How Many Americans It’s Spying On

Lawmakers, who are being asked to approve FBI access to wiretapped data, want some basic answers first.

Science & Tech

US Spies Want a Laser Gun That Can Detect Bombs from 100 Feet Away

If the device can be produced and later miniaturized, it may end up resembling a gun or grocery-store scanner.

Ideas

China's Latest Bizarre Propaganda Videos Use Batman and Mr. Bean to Explain State Secrets

The five videos try to describe two laws that lay out the party’s stance on national security. They get very bizarre very quickly.

Science & Tech

The Obama Administration Is Struggling to Reform the Security Clearance Process

OPM, ODNI and other agencies are failing to meet their own deadlines on a wide array of measures aimed at sniffing out internal threats.

Science & Tech

Here's What the Pentagon Wants Its Satellites to Do in 15 Years

The ability to take on new missions will help tomorrow’s constellations survive war in space.

Ideas

The FBI Should Tell Apple About the iPhone Vulnerability, If It Can

White House cybersecurity guidelines suggest disclosure, but the feds may not actually have the information.

Science & Tech

US Intelligence Wants Computers That Spot Fake Fingerprints

Researchers at the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Agency aim not only to spot prosthetic thumbs, it will also learn to predict attacks never seen before.