Author Archive
Lauren C. Williams
Senior Editor

Lauren C. Williams is senior editor for Defense One. She previously covered defense technology and cybersecurity for FCW and Defense Systems. Before then, Williams has reported on several issues, including internet culture, national security, health care, politics and crime for various publications. She has a master's in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park and a bachelor's in dietetics from the University of Delaware. She can be contacted at lwilliams@govexec.com or follow her on Twitter @lalaurenista.
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Defense Systems
State Department To Give Costa Rica $25M For Cybersecurity
The aid is a direct request from President Rodrigo Chaves Robles.
- Lauren C. Williams
Policy
Lawmakers Blast TikTok CEO Over Data Privacy
At a House hearing, legislators took turns grilling Shou Chew about securing Americans’ data on the popular video-sharing app.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
Marine Makers: How I MEF Troops Are Putting 3D Printers to Work
From generator covers to car parts, a Marine describes how additive manufacturing helps his unit get on with its mission.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
The Army Is Putting All Its Network Efforts Under One Roof
By October, Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical is expected to absorb network portfolios from its sister PEO for enterprise services.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
The Marines Are Launching a Software Factory
We talked with Lt. Col. Charlie Bahk about plans to start up at the Army’s facility in Austin, Texas.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
Companies Prepare to Spend More on Cybersecurity Under New Rules
Despite some complaints about the White House's new tack, industry leaders say most recognize the need for better defenses.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
Sketching Out the Rules for Offensive Cyber Operations
The White House released the first-ever National Cybersecurity Strategy this week. It leaves the door open for more defined use cases for cyber operations.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
Could the Pentagon Use a Little ChatGPT?
The Air Force’s top tech leader said the AI technology, or something like it, could help “rapidly pull together information” such as figuring out who’s in charge of an organization.
- Lauren C. Williams
Threats
U.S. Lacked ‘Political Will’, Resources To Build Up Afghan Forces, Report Finds
Biden, Trump administrations didn’t account for low morale, which was “one of the main contributors” to the collapse of Afghan National Defense and Security Forces amid the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
How The Navy Trains Its Info Warfare Officers Needs Work
The goal is to expand the training into virtual and synthetic environments in the next few years.
- Lauren C. Williams
Threats
Today's D Brief: US sends more troops to Taiwan; Americans 'live in an age of extremist mass killings'; Somali strike kills 7; 'Godzilla egg' in Japan; And a bit more.
- Ben Watson, Jennifer Hlad and Lauren C. Williams
Policy
Coast Guard to Triple Western-Pacific Deployments, Policy Chief Says
The small maritime service is contending with data and connectivity challenges as it looks to expand its presence in the Pacific.
- Lauren C. Williams
Policy
Marines to Begin Testing Leased Vessel for Pier-less Operations
The service is leasing three commercial Stern Landing Vessels as it waits for the Landing Ship Medium to arrive.
- Jennifer Hlad and Lauren C. Williams
Threats
Americans are Disturbingly ‘Ill-Informed and Naive’ on China, Navy’s Intel Chief Says
Recent balloon incident brought some attention to the possible threat, but not enough, says Rear Adm. Michael Studeman.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
Send Me Software, Not Hardware, Navy Infowar Leader Says
“Boxes of computers” aren’t so helpful aboard space-limited ships, Rear Adm. Doug Small said.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
Navy ‘Setting the Pace’ Among Services, Principal Cyber Advisor Says
Chris Cleary touts prototype tools and readies a new cyber plan.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
Can a New Information-Security Approach Save the Navy $1B a Year?
The CIO touts his Cyber Ready plan for continuous vulnerability monitoring.
- Lauren C. Williams
Threats
Today's D Brief: Russian missile flies over Moldova; SpaceX drops Ukraine military access; US tests ICBM; Lula to the WH; And a bit more.
- Ben Watson, Jennifer Hlad and Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
Tougher Cybersecurity Rules May Be More than a Year Away—But Don’t Wait to Get Ready
Contractors should prepare for independent checks on their data systems, and maybe more reporting requirements as well.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
DOD Should Map the Competing Incentives that Hinder Innovation, Says Air Force 3-Star
That might point the way to needed cultural and structural changes, the service’s strategy-and-requirements leader told the Defense Innovation Board.
- Lauren C. Williams