Author Archive
Alexandra Kelley
Staff Correspondent, Nextgov/FCW

Alexandra Kelley reports on emerging technology for Nextgov/FCW. Her most recent post was covering breaking news for The Hill where she focused on a variety of quantitative subjects, including Big Tech and the economy, in addition to covering the coronavirus pandemic since late 2019. She graduated from Kenyon College in 2017.
Cybersecurity
Cyber agencies unveil updated ransomware guide
The 2023 version offers more detailed, step-by-step guidance and associated recommendations to fortify public and private networks against sophisticated ransomware.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Emerging Tech
White House releases new AI national frameworks, educator recommendations
Three new initiatives offer guidance on developing and deploying responsible AI usage, call for public input on AI risk mitigation and address how educational systems can be improved by AI systems.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Cybersecurity
State-sponsored actors leading cause of cyber concern in public sector
A new SolarWinds report details how foreign hackers have become the largest concern among government entities, and how zero-trust strategies have become the most popular defense.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Cybersecurity
CISA, FBI need data from cybercrime victims to support policy
The federal agencies tasked with tracking and preventing cybercrime rely on collaboration and data sharing to protect U.S. digital networks.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Emerging Tech
New AI research funding to focus on 6 areas
Seven new artificial intelligence laboratories aim to support human health and development research and cyber defenses as well as aid climate-resilient agricultural practices.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Cybersecurity
Global appeal of NIST cyber framework leads to multiple translations, possible updates
The National Institute of Standards and Technology aims to ensure its forthcoming update to the cybersecurity guidance remains a flexible playbook domestic and international entities can adopt.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Emerging Tech
NIST releases draft post-quantum encryption document
The agency continues its post-quantum cryptography push as it looks to create guidance for all sectors.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Emerging Tech
DHS announces first-ever AI task force
The Department of Homeland Security will look to better understand artificial intelligence and deploy it in security operations.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Cybersecurity
US teams up with partner nations to release smart city cyber guidance
A joint effort between the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada and New Zealand yielded recommendations to prevent cyber attacks on increasingly digital infrastructure.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Emerging Tech
US must be more aware of 'adversarial side' of AI, DHS official warns
Deeper oversight into mitigating AI and ML systems’ potential pitfalls is particularly crucial as parts of the country begin to incorporate more autonomous systems into critical infrastructure operations.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Cybersecurity
New resources to defend public health systems against cyber threats
The guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services comes as health care entities continue to face ransomware, social engineering, device theft, data loss and network attacks.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Emerging Tech
DHS seeks solutions to ‘dark swarms’ of drones
The Department of Homeland Security wants to continue countering illicit drone activity, particularly among unmanned aerial devices that are difficult to spot.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Emerging Tech
A new resource for responsible AI
The NIST site offers guidelines for the safe development of AI technologies, including a visual roadmap for the creation and risk management of AI systems.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Emerging Tech
'New threats' to national security are created by emerging tech, DHS chief says
While innovative tools such as drones and AI can help agencies improve operations, they also open doors for bad actors to weaponize emerging technology.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Cloud & Infrastructure
Quantum sensing has ‘critical’ potential for electrical grid, official says
Quantum information technologies could be applied to the electrical grid for security and sustainability improvements.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Cybersecurity
Senators request cyber safety analysis of Chinese-owned DJI drones
Lawmakers raised concerns that sensitive data could leak to adversaries through foreign-owned consumer technology.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Cybersecurity
CISA: Election security still under threat at cyber and physical level
Threats enacted by state-sponsored actors during the 2022 election have highlighted the need for “continued vigilance” in upcoming elections, said CISA Election Security Advisor Kim Wyman.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker: Schools need federal advocate to negotiate cyber contracts
Sen. Ron Wyden penned a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, asking the agency to assist U.S. schools in drafting cybersecurity and data protection contracts with technology firms.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Emerging Tech
Creating responsible AI presents 'major technical challenges,' NIST official says
Experts discussed the regulations needed for fast-developing AI software, with NIST’s Elham Tabassi emphasizing the need for proper data and measurement strategies for different systems.
- By Alexandra Kelley
Cybersecurity
EPA releases water systems cyber requirement in tandem with national strategy
The Environmental Protection Agency unveiled new cybersecurity guidelines to help states evaluate their water sanitation systems’ defenses.
- By Alexandra Kelley