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NIST Researchers Develop Methodology for Assessing Hardware Threats
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The Metrics and Methodology for Hardware Security Constructs is NIST's new methodology for assessing hardware threats.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has issued a new white paper assessing threats to hardware. 

Titled the Metrics and Methodology for Hardware Security Constructs, the 16-page document explores common hardware weaknesses and the attack patterns that malicious actors use to exploit them and recommends a systematic approach to analyzing risks. 

The white paper is authored by researchers from NIST and the University of Maryland. 

How to Assess Threats to Hardware

The agency’s proposed hardware threat analysis methodology involves linking hardware weaknesses with meta-level attack patterns. The white paper utilizes data from the Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification, or CAPEC, a list of 559 known attack patterns compiled by the Department of Homeland Security and MITRE. 

The methodology offers two key metrics: one that quantifies the number of weaknesses an attacker can exploit and another that looks at the number of attacks distinct attacks that an attacker can use to exploit specific weaknesses. 

According to the researchers, their proposed threat analysis methodology is open to modifications to accommodate new weaknesses and attack strategies. Although it is designed for use on hardware, it may also be applied to all identified and emerging vulnerabilities, the researchers added.

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NGA Adopts Standardized Disclosure for AI-Generated Intel
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NGA Director Frank Whitworth has said his agency has started disclosing up front when its geospatial intel is produced by AI.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has implemented a standardized disclosure for artificial intelligence-generated intelligence products, Breaking Defense reported Thursday.

According to NGA Director Frank Whitworth, a four-time Wash100 Award winner, the agency is now routinely using AI to generate geospatial intelligence products. The career naval intelligence officer said NGA has adopted a “living, breathing template” for every “machine-generated GEOINT” product that “has not been touched by human hands.”

Standardizing Disclosure Labels for Transparency

Whitworth, speaking at the third annual Ash Carter Exchange and AI+ Expo on Tuesday, stressed that it is necessary for the president, the secretary of defense and combat commanders to understand the new labeling system, which ensures transparency when assessing AI-generated intel. He also noted that the NGA is the first agency in the U.S. intelligence community to routinely use the warning label.

NGA Adopts Standardized Disclosure for AI-Generated Intel

Get insights from intelligence community leaders on emerging threats and how intelligence plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Intel Summit on October 2.

The agency does not use a simple stamp but a detailed disclosure system that provides the type of AI used for data exploitation or dissemination. This auto-generated information enables customers to understand the machines’ involvement in the intelligence products.

NGA’s adoption of AI is the result of a decade-long need to manage large data volumes dating back to the Global War on Terror and compounded by the growing sophistication of military intelligence.

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Senate Bill to Boost Quad Alliance’s Space Cooperation to Maintain Indo-Pacific Stability
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The U.S. is looking to shore up its partnerships internationally for competition with China and Russia in Indo-Pacific.

A bipartisan Senate bill is seeking to strengthen space cooperation among the Quad nations, namely the United States, Japan, India and Australia, amid China and Russia’s increasing use of space capabilities to expand their interests. 

Introduced by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., co-chair of the Senate Space Force Caucus and chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, and Michael Bennet, D-Colo., the Quad Space Act of 2025 would require the defense secretary to initiate discussions with Quad countries to identify mutual areas of interest concerning the formulation of best practices in space, cooperation on space situational awareness and space industrial policy, according to a press release published Thursday. 

The defense secretary would also submit a report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, detailing potential areas of mutual Quad interests and steps the secretary intends to take to formalize cooperation among Quad members. 

The Quad Alliance 

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, known as the Quad, is an informal strategic forum established to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific and address regional geopolitical challenges.

“Maintaining space dominance is vital to protecting the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region,” said Cramer. “The Quad’s alignment addresses shared security challenges between our countries, and we recognize the importance of space as a strategic domain.”

Mirroring Cramer’s statement, Bennet said bolstering cooperation with Quad partners will ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, where China and Russia are actively expanding their interest. “The Quad Space Act will enhance our collective capacity to address shared challenges by better ensuring safe and secure space missions, tracking objects and activities in space, and fostering shared innovation,” he added.

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USAF Exhibits Enhanced Lethality of New Anti-Ship Weapon Version
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A new QUICKSINK maritime weapon is positioned to enhance the Air Force’s operational flexibility.

The U.S. Air Force has showcased the enhanced lethality of a new 500-lb QUICKSINK maritime weapon, a variant of the service’s air-delivered munition for neutralizing surface vessels.

During a recent live-fire test at the Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber delivered the anti-ship weapon, exhibiting the aircraft’s increased targeting range, the USAF said Wednesday.

Learn more about the strategic importance of air and space defense at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Defense Summit on July 31. Book a spot now!

USAF Exhibits Enhanced Lethality of New Anti-Ship Weapon Version

Enhancing USAF’s Operational Flexibility

Col. Dan Lehoski, commander of the Air Force’s 53rd Wing, described the weapon as a “game-changing solution to rapidly and efficiently sink maritime targets.” He added that the new Air Force Research Laboratory version “adds options for the warfighter and enhances operational flexibility.”

Enabling the US to Project Maritime Power

QUICKSINK is designed to provide combatant commanders with expanded warfighting capabilities. It reportedly strengthens the USAF’s counter-maritime deterrence and operations, allowing the service to rapidly address maritime threats worldwide. The weapon also advances efforts by the United States to project maritime power and maintain freedom of navigation in critical waterways.

The QUICKSINK live-fire tests were conducted in coordination with the Air Force Materiel Command’s AFRL and Air Force Test Center and Air Combat Command’s 53rd Wing.

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GAO: Army Should Apply Iterative Development Approach to Long-Range Fires Systems
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The Army should incorporate iterative product development practices to its long-range fires programs, according to GSA.

The Government Accountability Office has called on the secretary of the Army to ensure the application of leading practices for iterative product development to rapidly develop and field self-propelled howitzer and other long-range fires capabilities against near-peer adversaries.

In a report published Thursday, GAO recommended the move after finding that the U.S. Army did not consistently apply practices for iterative product development to its long-range fires programs.

For instance, the military branch did not maintain a sound business case for its Extended Range Cannon Artillery effort by reassessing its technical feasibility, which resulted in its discontinuation.

GAO: Army Should Apply Iterative Development Approach to Long-Range Fires Systems

Gain insights into the service branch’s modernization imperatives, force structure optimization, national security missions and more at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Army Summit on June 18.

Use of Digital Twins & Other Digital Engineering Tools

The congressional watchdog also recommended that the Army ensure that the Precision Strike Missile program and Mid-Range Capability, or MRC, missile system assess the benefits, practicality and affordability of implementing digital twins and other digital engineering techniques as part of the adoption of an iterative product development approach.

With the MRC program, GAO found that the Army demonstrated several attributes of an iterative product development approach by establishing a business case with flexible requirements. However, the MRC effort does not intend to create a digital twin to help develop and improve the minimum viable product.

According to the report, implementing digital engineering and other iterative development approaches could help accelerate the development of future increments.

“Additionally, digital tools can help reduce time and cost by improving the ability to anticipate potential design flaws and optimizing manufacturing,” GAO wrote in the report.

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Jim O’Neill Confirmed as HHS Deputy Secretary
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Headshot of Jim O’Neill, deputy secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Jim O’Neill, co-founder of the Thiel Fellowship, as deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in a 52-43 vote.

In November, Politico reported the selection of O’Neill by then-President-elect Donald Trump for the deputy secretary role at HHS.

“He will oversee all operations and improve Management, Transparency, and Accountability to, Make America Healthy Again,” Trump said in a statement.

Jim O’Neill’s Career Background

O’Neill co-founded the Thiel Fellowship in 2010 and served as CEO of SENS Research Foundation.

According to his LinkedIn profile, he sits on the board of Advantage Therapeutics and is an adviser at FounderPool.

The Yale University graduate was managing director at Mithril Capital Management and Clarium Capital Management.

O’Neill also held leadership roles at HHS during President George W. Bush’s administration, including principal associate deputy secretary, member of the steering committee for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and associate deputy secretary.

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Senate Confirms Eglin AFB Head as ASD for Energy, Installations, Environment
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The U.S. senate has confirmed Dale Marks as the assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations and environment.

The Senate has confirmed Dale Marks as assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations and environment.

On Tuesday, legislators voted 72-26 in favor of Marks’ appointment to the role. He succeeds Brendan Owens, who led as assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations and environment until January 2025.

Who Is Dale Marks?

Marks currently serves as executive director for the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. In the role, he leads 10,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel and oversees all base operations.

Before his assignment to Eglin AFB, he was appointed as deputy director for strategy, plans, programming and analysis for the National Guard Bureau’s Space Operations, where he contributed to requirements and policy processes that impact the U.S. Space Force, Department of Defense and National Guard organizations.

According to his bio on the Air Force’s website, Marks also held the roles of deputy chief of staff at Continental North American Aerospace Defense Command Region – 1st Air Force at Tyndall AFB and chief of staff for operational sustainment in Kabul, Afghanistan, with the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan, U.S. Forces – Afghanistan and the NATO-led Resolute Support.

Marks has over two decades of service in both active duty and as National Guard in the Air Force. He has over 3,000 flight hours as a combat fighter pilot of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15E Strike Eagle, AT-38 Talon and F-16 Fighting Falcon.

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Air Force Names John Patrick O’Donnell as Deputy CDO for Intelligence Community
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Former USAF data scientist John Patrick O’Donnell has been named deputy chief data officer for the AF intelligence community

John Patrick O’Donnell, former data scientist at the U.S. Air Force, announced in a LinkedIn post his appointment as chief data officer for the service branch’s intelligence community. 

In his new role, he will also serve as the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data portfolio manager for the Air Force chief information office. according to his LinkedIn profile.

O’Donnell’s Career

O’Donnell served in his former position as a data scientist for over two years in the human-machine co-learning section of the 711th Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory. He joined the service in 2020, concurrently as a master’s student at the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, where he obtained an MS degree in operations research in 2022. 

Before joining the service, O’Donnell underwent more than two years’ training at the Air Force ROTC in Charlotte, North Carolina, where cadet wing recruiting officer was his last post. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in bachelor of science in mathematics.

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Commerce Dept to Reorganize AI Safety Institute to Advance AI Development
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Department of Commerce logo

The Department of Commerce has announced plans to rebrand the AI Safety Institute into the Center for AI Standards and Innovation to address hindrances to advancing the development of artificial intelligence systems. 

“For far too long, censorship and regulations have been used under the guise of national security,” said Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “Innovators will no longer be limited by these standards. CAISI will evaluate and enhance U.S. innovation of these rapidly developing commercial AI systems while ensuring they remain secure to our national security standards.” 

Global AI Dominance

The planned reform comes after the Trump administration repealed former President Joe Biden’s AI executive order and issued an EO to remove barriers to U.S. leadership in AI.

AISI, operating within the National Institute of Standards and Technology, was established in 2023 under the Biden administration. According to a press release from the Commerce Department, the new body will remain a part of NIST and will have responsibilities similar to AISI, including developing guidance and best practices for AI system security, working with industry to develop voluntary standards, conducting evaluations of models to identify potential risks to national security and coordinating with other agencies on the development of evaluation methods. 

The department said the change will ensure that it uses its scientific and industrial expertise to evaluate and understand the capabilities of AI products and identify vulnerabilities and threats within systems developed in the United States and abroad.

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DISA Publishes Guidebook for Managing Data
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DISA's Effective Data Lifecycle Management Guidebook provides industry best practices and government standards.

The Defense Information Systems Agency has issued a guide for managing data assets and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. 

The Effective Data Lifecycle Management Guidebook is a result of nearly 12 months of development and is designed to support the Department of Defense’s mission objectives, DISA said in a LinkedIn post Wednesday. 

What the DLM Guidebook Offers

The 29-page document covers the full data lifecycle, including planning and preparation, identification of sources, and retirement or redesignation. It offers industry best practices and standards and regulatory requirements from across DISA, DOD and the federal government for managing data and minimizing risks. 

The guidebook also offers templates and frameworks to eliminate ambiguity around policies, procedures and practices and to create a more consistent approach to data lifecycle management. 

It is intended for use within DISA, specifically to personnel who play critical roles in the creation, handling, oversight and retirement of the agency’s data assets.

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