Science & Tech
Predator Drone Maker General Atomics Flying Spy Missions For the Pentagon
The US military has hired General Atomics to fly some missions — just ISR so far, but what about the future?
Science & Tech
A Congressman Goes to DEF CON
Amid the fun and fanfare of the world’s largest hacking conference, the cyber-political battles of the future are taking shape.
Science & Tech
After Ferguson Unrest, St. Louis Police Bought Stink Weapons to Launch at Protesters
If the current situation escalates, protesters could be in for a horrible-smelling surprise.
Science & Tech
Someone At DEF CON Made a Drone That Hacks Computers
You can buy it for $2,500 — and turn it into a flying malware injector.
Science & Tech
Hackers to Military: Replace Us With Robots? Ha!
Next year’s Cyber Grand Challenge event will pit humans against machines in a grand hacking war. DEF CON’s war gamers like their chances.
Science & Tech
The Robots Taking Your Job Could Get You Killed
Automating processes at chemical and pharmaceutical plants could save money, but at what cost to safety?
Science & Tech
Hacker Cracks Satellite Communications Network
Satellite tracking of people and objects was supposed to make the world safer. If only it was secure.
Science & Tech
The Air Force Wants To Make Its Drones Smarter and Deadlier
The Reaper's next chapter includes better sensors, more autonomy, bigger weapons.
Science & Tech
Hacking Critical Infrastructure: A How-To Guide
Cyber-aided physical attacks on power plants and the like are a growing concern. A pair of experts is set to reveal how to pull them off — and how to defend against them.
Science & Tech
This Isn’t The Death Star Laser You’re Looking For
Japanese scientists have created the world’s most powerful light beam, but its military use is limited.
Science & Tech
US Drone Pilots Are As Skeptical of Autonomy As Are Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk
There are many reasons to be cautious about greater autonomy in weapons like drones, according to the men and women at the joystick.
Science & Tech
The Military Will Test a New Terrifyingly Loud Noise Gun
The Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program is developing lasers that create a screaming ball of plasma on their target.
Threats
You're Safe-ish from Anthrax, For Now
Pentagon investigation into accidental anthrax shipments blames bad processes for killing spores.
Business
You’re Safe-ish from Anthrax, For Now
Pentagon investigation into accidental anthrax shipments blames bad processes for killing spores.
Threats
Turkey Opens Key Air Bases for US Strikes On ISIS
The newly approved use of Incirlik Air Base and others for bombing missions will greatly reduce the distance U.S. warplanes must fly to their targets.
Science & Tech
In The War of 2050, The Robots Call The Shots
An Army-sponsored workshop on the future of war produces a mashed-up vision of swarmbots, cyborgs, and technology run wild.
Business
Why Lone Wolf Attacks Are So Hard To Predict
Events like the shootings in Tennessee show the possibilities and limitations of predictive analytics.
Science & Tech
How Antimatter Could Stop Iran From Cheating On the Nuclear Deal
Advanced particle detectors could be the key to ensuring the success of the agreement.
Threats
To Prevent Insider Threats, DOD Must First Define ‘Normal’
The Pentagon thinks it can build an automated system to predict and prevent future Fort Hood-style attacks. But it’s a problem as big as big data itself.
Science & Tech