Author Archive

Lauren Williams

Senior Editor

Lauren C. Williams is senior editor for FCW and Defense Systems, covering defense and cybersecurity.

Prior to joining FCW, Williams was the tech reporter for ThinkProgress, where she covered everything from internet culture to national security issues. In past positions, Williams covered health care, politics and crime for various publications, including The Seattle Times.

Williams graduated with 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@fcw.com, or follow her on Twitter @lalaurenista.

IT Infrastructure

DOD names cloud contenders for JEDI replacement

The Defense Department has invited Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google and Oracle to compete for its massive warfighter cloud program.

  • By Lauren Williams
IT Infrastructure

Coast Guard plans mobile access to law enforcement database

The Coast Guard is looking to give its enforcement personnel access to its safety and law enforcement database via mobile apps.

  • By Lauren Williams
Cyber

DOD wants industry to continue with CMMC prep amid program review

Dr. Christine Michienzi, the chief technology officer for the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy, said while results were coming soon, defense contractors should "continue on" with updates to cybersecurity practices as DOD finalizes its review of its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program.

  • By Lauren Williams
Cyber

Solarium progress report highlights security advances, challenges

While most of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission's recommendations are on track to being implemented, but lack of funding could potentially undermine some efforts, according to a recent the commissions’ 56-page progress report.

  • By Lauren Williams
Cyber

Lawmakers advance cyber legislation

The Senate’s 2022 defense authorization bill and a number of House measures are addressing cyber authorities, domestic microelectronics manufacture, supply chain security and raising cyber awareness among the public.

  • By Lauren Williams and Chris Riotta
IT Infrastructure

3D printing opens DOD to cyber risks, IG finds

Because the additive manufacturing systems were incorrectly categorized as tools, rather than IT systems, they have not been adequately protected, according to DOD’s inspector general.

  • By Lauren Williams
IT Infrastructure

Navy to update business systems for performance, reduced costs

Moving off legacy systems and into the cloud will support digital transformation efforts, Navy officials tell Congress.

  • By Lauren Williams
AI & Analytics

Better acquisition data would improve DOD oversight

While better data would help the Defense Department more effectively assess investments and risks over time, according to a watchdog official, several challenges exist.

  • By Lauren Williams
Cloud

How CBII secures DOD networks, improves performance

The Cloud-Based Internet Isolation gives mission partners a way to offload internet browsing from Defense Department networks so they can conserve bandwidth for essential functions.

  • By Lauren Williams
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