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.
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.
Management
A US agency focused on foreign disinformation could shut down after the election
The State Department’s Global Engagement Center recently opened an anti-Russian propaganda center in Poland, but needs congressional action to continue operations.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense
Pentagon background-check systems at risk of hacking, GAO says
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency didn’t fully implement DOD’s cybersecurity process, a new report finds.
- Lauren C. Williams
Management
Former NSA head feels ‘really good’ about election security come November
Paul Nakasone, the recently retired head of NSA and CYBERCOM, said the intelligence community has everything it needs to combat election interference attempts later this year.
- Lauren C. Williams and David DiMolfetta
Workforce
Space Force inches closer to classified remote work
The platform could be a popular remote-work solution for Space Systems Command.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense
The Pentagon wants to help boost cybersecurity for small contractors
A new strategy outlines how the Defense Department plans to increase security and strengthen relationships across the industrial base.
- Lauren C. Williams
Workforce
Navy leaders want more code-loving sailors at sea
One wants to take ad hoc data science efforts and fold them into a formal training cycle.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense
Some secret military programs are getting a little less secret
New classification guidance aims to streamline operations within the Pentagon and with foreign partners.
- Lauren C. Williams
Workforce
Looking for tech talent? Broaden your search, IC chief says
The nation’s 18 intelligence agencies should look beyond the nation’s capital if they want to get and keep the best cyber workers, said Adele Merritt.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense
Senate confirms first woman to lead Navy, key joint staff vacancies
However, hundreds of confirmations are still blocked by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense
To solve national security problems, the US may have to rethink higher education
Advanced STEM degrees take too much time and cost too much, said the former science and tech head at Homeland Security.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense
Budgetary limbo could cost the Navy Department $26B in missing or ‘misaligned’ funds
Comptroller lays out the price of a full-year continuing resolution if Congress can’t pass a 2024 budget.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense
How the Pentagon’s big tech bets could suffer if the government shuts down
Anything that needs new money to start or scale could see delays—including the Air Force’s quest to develop robot wingmen.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense
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
Defense
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
Defense
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
Defense
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
Defense
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
Defense
Tuberville’s protest is putting stress on units, Pentagon says
The number of unfilled positions has risen to about 300.
- Lauren C. Williams
Oversight
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
Defense
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