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.
Budget delays could ‘slow roll’ Air Force’s digital infrastructure plans
In early 2024, the service plans to launch cloud-based command and control technologies in three undisclosed locations.
- Lauren C. Williams
The Navy is drowning in data it doesn’t know what to do with
The service’s principal cyber advisor got candid about data struggles as it looks to adopt AI in operational plans.
- Lauren C. Williams
NSA ‘recently completed’ AI strategic study, director says
Outgoing chief Gen. Paul Nakasone looks back, forward, and pushes for Sec. 702 authority.
- Lauren C. Williams
The Pentagon’s innovation arm has a new chief and a new strategy
‘DIU 3.0,’ now under SecDef review, aims to embed teams in the combatant commands.
- Lauren C. Williams
1/4 of DOD cyber jobs are vacant. Here's the plan to fill them
Civilian cyber workers are the main challenge, as it's harder for DOD to attract and keep them.
- Lauren C. Williams
Tuberville’s protest is putting stress on units, Pentagon says
The number of unfilled positions has risen to about 300.
- Lauren C. Williams
Get serious about data, US intelligence leaders tell agencies
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s new three-year plan aims to turn data-gathering from afterthought to key asset.
- Lauren C. Williams
Intel leaders, White House argue for keeping digital spy powers
Agencies have less than six months to convince a divided Congress to re-up an expiring warrantless surveillance authority.
- Lauren C. Williams
Proposed marijuana waivers acknowledge blunt recruiting truths
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle want to remove a barrier to joining the U.S. military.
- Lauren C. Williams
A ‘Stronger, Faster’ Intelligence Community Is Possible With AI
But caution is needed to make sure the technology doesn’t go off the rails.
- Lauren C. 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