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.
Click here for previous articles by Williams.
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.
Click here for previous articles by Williams.
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
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
Army Special Operators Seek to Reduce Suicide with ‘Bottom-Led’ Approach
Units have been ordered to develop anti-suicide efforts based on the USASOC's new strategy.
- Lauren C. Williams
Let’s Make It Easier to Share Top-Secret Data With Allies, Intel Leader Says
The Defense Intelligence Agency’s CIO wants to expand collaborative workspaces—and resist the urge to mark everything NOFORN.
- Lauren C. Williams
Recruiting Crisis? Not at Space Force
The youngest and smallest service says it pays to be both choosy and inclusive.
- Lauren C. Williams
The Pentagon’s Lead Intelligence Agency Has an HR Problem
Too few human-resources staffers means a constant struggle to keep up with basic personnel record-keeping and more.
- Lauren C. Williams
It’s Finally Here: Pentagon Releases Plan To Keep Hackers Out Of Its Networks
Defense agencies are to implement zero-trust standards by 2027.
- Lauren C. Williams
Contractors’ Reluctance to Work With the Pentagon on Cybersecurity Is Leaving Vulnerabilities, DOD Official Says
Just 1% of defense firms use DOD’s free network-security services, acting principal deputy CIO says.
- Lauren C. Williams
More Than a Dozen States Have Activated the National Guard to Secure Midterm Elections
Other states can request help, but some leaders say more capacity is needed.
- Lauren C. Williams
DISA’s Sweeping New Plan Takes Aim at Data Silos, Mistagged Info
The Pentagon’s IT agency has policy and culture ideas to encourage freer, more secure info-sharing.
- Lauren C. Williams
Army Updates Cyber Training After Some Graduates Weren’t Ready for Their Jobs
New classes and updated curriculum reflect evolving threats and lessons from the Ukraine war.
- Lauren C. Williams
The Biden Administration Wants To Standardize How the U.S. Conducts Cyber Operations
The White House is reviewing a Trump administration policy that made it easier for U.S. Cyber Command to conduct offensive cyber operations.
- Lauren C. Williams
A Look At Tech Amendments In The 2023 House Defense Authorization Bill
The bill, which boasted several hundred amendments, has provisions that touch on cyber education, spectrum, and satellites.
- Lauren C. Williams
The Army Has a New Plan to ‘Transform’ Soldier Health Care with Technology
Service leaders will boost research into synthetic blood, quantum computing, and more.
- Lauren C. Williams
IG Finds The Pentagon's Classification System Lacks Consistency
The inspector general wrote that inaccurate or incomplete security classification guides “increase the risk” of over- or under-classification due to incorrect interpretation or application.
- Lauren C. Williams
New Air Force Space Buyer Eyes Fixed-price Contracts
Frank Calvelli, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, said "fixed-price contracting is not a bad approach for space things" and could help keep acquisitions on time.
- Lauren C. Williams
The Pentagon Should Keep Better Tabs on IT Cybersecurity, Supply Chain Risks, GAO Says
The findings come as the Defense Department continues to increase its investment in information technology and cybersecurity year over year—a trend that could likely mean more scrutiny.
- Lauren C. Williams
Lack of Space National Guard Could Hurt Training, Recruiting
National Guard directors are worried about losing key talent for space capabilities without the creation of a specified guard and reserve component.
- Lauren C. Williams
Lawmakers Want to Know How Much Bad Software Costs DOD
When the House Armed Services Committee begins its markup process of the annual defense authorization bill on June 8, look out for a provision asking the Pentagon to account for wasted money and lost productivity caused by poorly performing software.
- Lauren C. Williams
Here's How the Pentagon Plans to Manage Inflation Costs in Contracts
The Defense Department urged contracting officers to "be mindful" of the varying impacts of inflation and "limit the scope" of equity pay adjustment clauses, according to new guidance.
- Lauren C. Williams