The National Academies is hosting a Workshop on Technology for Data Stewardship on February 29, 2025, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and government to explore cutting-edge solutions for managing and protecting data. The event will focus on advancements in data stewardship, including secure storage, access control, and ethical considerations in data sharing. Participants will discuss emerging technologies, best practices, and policy implications to ensure responsible data management across sectors.

The Center for Cyber-Social Dynamics is delighted to invite submissions for the Workshop on Advancing Fairness in Machine Learning, a multidisciplinary platform aimed at fostering dialogue between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.

I2O Request for Information (RFI): Formal Methods to Deliver Resilient Systems

DARPA's Information Innovation Office (I2O) seeks community feedback on the draft Guide to Formal Methods to Deliver Resilient Systems for Proposals (“the FMDRS Guide”). DARPA is interested in feedback from all capable sources, particularly those sources with formal methods implementation experience, on:

A new Senate bill seeks to address growing national security concerns over consumer routers and modems, which have been increasingly targeted by cybercriminals and foreign adversaries. The legislation aims to improve the security of these devices, requiring manufacturers to implement more robust protections and limit their vulnerabilities. The bill highlights the risk posed by insecure devices in homes and businesses, which can be exploited to access sensitive networks and data.

The FBI has issued an urgent warning advising organizations to disable local administrator accounts to reduce the risk of cyberattacks. The warning comes as attacks targeting these accounts continue to rise, with cybercriminals exploiting weak or unchanged passwords to gain access to critical systems. Local admin accounts are often a gateway for attackers to escalate privileges and compromise entire networks, making it essential for businesses and government entities to enhance their defense strategies.

Tom Snyder, cybersecurity expert and CEO, recently shared his insights on the current state of cybersecurity and the growing threat of cybercrime during an interview in January 2025. Snyder emphasized the reality that "everything is hacked" in today’s interconnected digital world, where cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. He highlighted the urgency for organizations to adopt stronger security measures and proactive defense strategies to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure from escalating threats.

Sheila Thomas has been named Executive Director of the National Security Agency (NSA), becoming the agency’s third-highest-ranking official. In this role, Thomas will oversee daily operations and implement strategic initiatives to advance the NSA’s mission of safeguarding national security. Her extensive experience in intelligence and cybersecurity leadership positions her to address emerging threats and guide the agency through a rapidly evolving technological landscape.