Category Archives: Artificial Intelligence

Becker’s 2023: Optimizing the Medical Field and User Experience Through AI

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Medical practices are quickly entering an age where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing and expanding to help improve user and patient experience, as well as increase automation in the work environment. During the Becker’s Health IT + Digital Health + RCM conference, healthcare and IT leaders came together to discuss how to adapt to the latest trends in the field, including telehealth, cybersecurity, diversity and the simplification of healthcare through AI.

The implementation of AI in the medical world is increasing as doctors and researchers explore ways to make healthcare as seamless as possible for both doctors and patients. Telehealth, the ability to meet with a healthcare provider virtually rather than in-person, is an important process that doctors are utilizing as the patient population and their needs continue to grow. Doctors and medical staff will soon be able to: 

  • Use AI for administrative tasks to increase healthcare staff efficiency 
  • Continue to consolidate electronic medical records (EMR) onto a singular platform, making it easier for providers across a health system to access up-to-date patient information  
  • Close the access gap in more rural and underserved areas to collect data and maximize face time with patients 
  • Utilize technology to focus on holistic health and increase discussion about behavioral nudges, for example a smart watch mentioning that it is ‘time to stand’  
  • Improve the digital experience for patients of all demographics through easy access medical records and utilization of telehealth for older populations

Diversity in Telehealth Technology 

Carahsoft Becker's Healthcare Tradeshow Recap Blog Embedded Image 2023With the progression of AI and telehealth, hearing diverse voices on the implementation of these tools cannot be overlooked as medical professionals change the way they utilize technology. It is imperative that new technology is working to make medical support and processes simple for communities that may not have as many resources when it comes to telehealth and digital medical records. For example, a chat box that pops up on a medical practice’s website may have been created to help patients, but non-English speaking patients do not benefit if the box is not programmed to display and understand other languages.

Skillset diversity must also be considered when doing research. Instead of finding medical staff and researchers based only on a certain educational background, it is beneficial to consider candidates with a range of experience as well. Inviting different voices into the medical field can only benefit the way healthcare progresses and provides better outcomes to patients.

A Platform-First Approach: Creating Maximum Value for Enterprises  

It is important for medical companies to create maximum value within the applications and systems that they are paying for. Technology is evolving at such a rapid pace that often, by the time a new technology has been implemented by an enterprise, it is already basically obsolete and needs to be replaced. This is where the platform-first approach comes into play. With this approach, companies prioritize getting the most value from existing applications that are already purchased and installed in the enterprise. For example, ensuring that there is no overlap between the use cases of multiple apps a company is paying for. 

The platform-first approach includes:  

  • Leveraging platforms that are already currently in use 
  • Adding features that are easy to use with easily accessible interfaces  
  • Focusing less on training and more on hands-on experience 
  • Being selective in what tools and platforms are implemented 
  • Being agile and looking at a platform strategy instead of individualistic needs  
  • Ensuring that what an organization already has makes sense in regard to the bigger picture and is not being underutilized

Moving Forward: Maximizing Every Tool and Every Person 

Even with today’s fast-paced changes, there are processes and elements of healthcare that AI cannot replace. AI is rapidly growing and evolving, but it cannot take away the qualities of being a human, especially in the medical field. If a bot can do a simple task, such as filing paperwork, it is best to let the bot do it, and allow doctors to spend more personalized time with patients. It is ideal to offer digital opportunities in the workplace, but not to the extent that it hinders user experience. Technology can alleviate pressures and remove friction from a workforce, but at the end of the day, AI cannot replace the personal human element of care that a doctor provides to a patient.  

AI is not something to fear, but rather something to embrace in the areas where it meets providers and patients’ needs. It is also important that every voice is heard while technology advances, and minority groups are not left behind in the fast-moving AI path. Companies and researchers are focusing on where the demand is and either changing or providing additional technology as frictionless and simple as possible. 

 

Visit Carahsoft’s Healthcare Solutions Portfolio to learn more information and key insights for the IT and Healthcare industries. 

*The information contained in this blog has been written based off the thought-leadership discussions presented by speakers at the Becker’s Healthcare Summit 2023.*

Innovation in Government: How to Change Things Up (and Make it Stick)

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In government, we could say that innovation is invention that solves a problem or meets a need — in the community or within an organization undertaking the work. Big changes make government agencies more effective, prepared and useful, and they touch all aspects of agency operations — from IT to employee morale to digital services and more. In recent years, federal agencies such as the Census Bureau, General Services Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Office of Personnel Management have launched innovations labs, innovation libraries, and other innovation-focused resources and programs. Cities and states have as well, such as through Philadelphia’s Technology and Innovation group within the city’s Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT). Being innovative is not easy, of course: It requires a little bravery and lots of planning. But local and federal agencies are creating the space and resources to launch innovations that will, in the future, become standard operations. In this guide, we share case studies and best practices regarding some of government’s most pressing issues — workforce, customer experience and data use, to name a few — and we hear from government experts who know a thing or two about helping innovative initiatives succeed. 

 

Carahsoft IIG GovLoop Innovation Adaptive Security Blog Embedded Image 2023Analytics Innovations Draw a Complete Data Picture  

“Spreadsheets are structured things: They have clearly defined lines, cleanly labelled columns, and rules that govern what goes where. Government analytic programs have become skilled at working within those parameters, even if it means spending hours manually manipulating data to fit. Spreadsheets are 30-year-old desktop technology. But other data exists, doesn’t it? The world is full of PDF documents, audio and video files, social media posts and other ‘messy’ data sources — the unstructured data that most agencies overlook. And most agency analytics programs are fragmented and overly manual. Recent innovations seek to change this.”

Read more insights from Alteryx’s Solutions Marketing Director for the Public Sector, Andy MacIsaac. 

 

Driving Innovation to the Edge

“Across government, innovation is happening at the edge. By leveraging cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and related technologies, agencies can deliver services more quickly and effectively at the far reaches of operations, whether that’s in the battlefield or on the International Space Station (ISS). At the Red Hat Government Symposium held in late 2022, government and industry leaders discussed how agencies were leveraging these technologies to accelerate mission delivery. Their discussions and examples help illuminate how agencies are adapting to make the most of modern technological opportunities.”

Read more insights from Red Hat’s Government Symposium. 

 

Build an Innovative Ecosystem Through Cloud Architecture  

“In data transformation and innovation, it helps to view things through a different lens. Within the data ecosystem are three core pillars for transformation: people, processes and technology. Simple, singular data platforms should work with an architecture that breaks down information silos rather than creates them. That facility comes through in qualities such as data mesh or a decentralized data architecture that’s organized by business domain and operates through self-service. The architectural design also must help strengthen system security. That’s enormously important for federal data.”

Read more insights from Snowflake’s Chief Technology Officer for the Global Public Sector, Winston Chang. 

 

Overcoming Challenges With Observability  

“As agencies take steps to innovate — such as expanding reliance on the cloud and adding new apps, integrations, and automations — their IT ecosystems become more complex. There are more places where things can go wrong and more pressure to fix them quickly. The task of monitoring these complex systems gets more complicated, too. ‘The question is, how do I know there’s an issue?’ said Brian Mikkelsen of Datadog. ‘Is it when the tickets start flowing, when complaints increase, when your leadership team asks why something isn’t working?’ None of those options are ideal. Datadog’s application performance management platform provides a real-time window into the digital environment, identifying performance and security issues quickly. Its ‘full stack’ hybrid infrastructure capability means everything from the back end to the front end is monitored and reported via infrastructure metrics, application performance traces, and correlated logs.”

Read more insights from Datadog’s Vice President and General Manager, Brian Mikkelsen. 

 

Download the full GovLoop Guide for more insights from these digital transformation leaders and additional government interviews, historical perspectives and industry research. 

AI Paving the Way for New Healthcare Innovations

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With the boom of consumer facing artificial intelligence (AI) through Chat GPT and other tools, the discussion of AI applications within healthcare has also become a priority with exciting new developments. Pre-COVID, there was some hesitancy with telehealth, whereas now it has become a highly valued, main offering within the healthcare ecosystem. Similarly, AI is becoming a key mobilizer for improved patient outcomes and more efficient provider processes. Through the power of the cloud and supercomputing, AI is opening doors for transformational results throughout all aspects of healthcare including personalized medicine, medical research and trials, treatment efficacy and more. Once healthcare organizations better understand the benefits that AI unlocks for all stakeholders, they can take the next steps to apply it to their individual health networks.

Benefits of AI in Healthcare

Patients

The potential uses for AI in the medical field are endless and apply to all levels of healthcare with improvements for patients, healthcare providers and healthcare administrators. When organizations invest in AI, it decreases wait times for patients, optimizes appointment availabilities and increases overall access. AI can also interpret imaging and detect illnesses faster which minimizes treatment delays. Through wearable technology and personalized medicine, AI is enabling patients to gather health data and manage treatment from home. This customizable capability is especially valuable for rural or low-income patients to level out the social determinants of health and offer treatment through telehealth while saving on costs for all involved.

Medical Providers

Carahsoft AI in Healthcare Blog Embedded Image 2023AI can significantly reduce the administrative burden for medical providers by automating routine tasks and increasing bandwidth for front line staff to complete other medical duties. A hallmark capability for AI is analyzing data which it can aggregate from wide pools of information to suggest electronic health record (EHR)-based interventions, predict possible future patient ailments and offer a more unified, comprehensive picture. In a post-COVID-19 world, AI healthcare data applications offer the extremely relevant and desired ability of anticipating future public health crises through research and analytics. These AI forecasts can accelerate understanding for policy creation, reinforce healthcare resources and provide precision public health.

Healthcare Administrators

Applying for grants can be a time-consuming process, but with AI evaluating grant proposals, healthcare administrators can quickly identify which grants to apply for and which to pass. AI can also detect potential fraud cases. It is currently being implemented at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to make sure that applicable citizens receive the proper care and services they deserve, and by the Department of Health and Human Services to analyze counterfeit drugs to prevent fraud and preserve the efficacy of vital medications.[1]

Making AI a Reality for Individual Healthcare Networks

With these groundbreaking benefits, instituting AI is a clear case. Currently about 98% of healthcare organizations have or are planning to implement an AI strategy.[2] To make this a reality, healthcare organizations must focus on three main areas:

  • Understanding the technology capabilities, requirements and use applications
  • Educating providers and building trust with patients
  • Instituting privacy and security policies

Understanding what AI can do, which applications to pursue for individual hospitals’ use cases and what it takes to operate the technology, needs to be a collaborative effort between all levels of a hospital system. Many clinicians are burned out and looking for tools that will ease their burden while also improving care. Through proactive conversations with medical providers and C-suite stakeholders, CIOs and management can present the investment benefits and ultimately increase full system buy-in and ability to scale effectively and efficiently.

Educating medical ecosystems and patients with the digital skills and knowledge to utilize the technology resources is also important for proper usage and increased adoption. Once providers understand the potential of AI and the practical ways it can improve their workflows, they can be confident in using the tools and clearly articulating the information to patients. Trust is a huge component of thriving, effective care. Clearly presented information establishes that rapport with patients and clinicians. Overall, training re-establishes for providers and administrators the priorities of patient safety, professional accountability and protection from reputational, legal and financial risk to ensure that the AI technology is used responsibly. Through proper education, patients also feel empowered with how AI is being implemented in their care and the commitment of their medical team to pursue the safest and best outcomes.

The last key element to establishing the use of AI in healthcare and maximizing its benefits is keeping privacy and security top of mind. Hospital management need to consider what policies and procedures they will institute to protect patients’ data and prevent bad actors from exposing personal information or disrupting care. Data integrity is also vital to keep AI algorithms’ predictions and assessments accurate. Healthcare network administrators will need to evaluate the best method to securely store that data whether through a cloud provider or building encrypted data storage on premises using private AI with an internal high computing platform specific to the individual hospital. These management policies and governance frameworks will not only offer standardization, they will also help build trust with patients while providing enough flexibility for AI innovation and growth.

 

Ultimately the partnership of AI with medical experts enables the perfect balance to deliver rapid, actionable insights and improvements while humans manage the usage of the technology to ensure quality care for each medical case. The future of healthcare is patients being able to take greater ownership of their health through aggregating additional data and applying AI to achieve better treatments. Providers and staff will be able to maximize their time through AI optimizations and provide more proactive care based on AI predictions. These advancements will revolutionize the healthcare industry as we know it and pave the way for a healthier society. Some are calling AI the next quantum leap in technology, and healthcare should be at the forefront of leveraging the resources to drive improvement, accelerate innovation and save lives.

 

To learn more about how Carahsoft is enabling healthcare organizations to achieve technology innovations such as AI, visit our Healthcare Technology and AI and Machine Learning solutions portfolios and speak to a representative who can help meet your solution needs today.

 

Resources:

[1] “HHS CIO Karl Mathias Details 3 Promising Applications of AI in Health Care Sector,” GovConWire, https://www.govconwire.com/2023/05/hhs-cio-karl-mathias-details-3-promising-applications-of-ai-in-healthcare/

[2] “AI Survey: Health Care Organizations Continue to Adopt Artificial Intelligence to Help Achieve Better, More Equitable and Affordable Patient Outcomes,” Optum, https://www.optum.com/about-us/news/page.hub.ai-survey-health-care-organizations-adopt-artificial-intelligence.html

Adobe Express: The Content Creation Powerhouse

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Adobe Max 2023 has finally arrived, and with it came a slew of intuitive new features and software options. As expected, Adobe’s primary focus this year was on its powerful AI innovations and tools. Unexpectedly however, Adobe Express, an application which previously was focused on social media content creation has received an enormous upgrade. So, let’s talk about these exciting new features and why it’s exciting for the government space.

Adobe Express is a powerful software suite that has gained significant traction in various industries for its user-friendly interface and versatile tools. While it’s widely known for its applications in creative fields such as graphic design, marketing, and content creation, its potential in the government space remains largely untapped and yet to be fully realized. Its adaptability and diverse functionalities make it an asset for government agencies seeking efficient solutions for their content related projects.

One of the primary advantages of Adobe Express in the government sector is its ability to streamline communication. The software allows for the creation of visually engaging documents, presentations, and reports, enabling agencies to convey complex information in a more digestible and visually appealing manner. Whether it’s producing internal reports or communicating with the public, the software’s intuitive design tools aid in crafting impactful visual content, enhancing the effectiveness of government messages.

Adobe Express Content Creation Blog Embedded Image 2023

Furthermore, Adobe Express’s compatibility with various file formats ensures seamless integration with existing government systems. This feature is pivotal in maintaining consistency and compatibility across different departments and agencies, facilitating the exchange of information and collaboration between various governmental bodies. It promotes a standardized approach to document creation, reducing compatibility issues and simplifying the sharing of information.

Data security and compliance are of utmost importance in the government sector, and Adobe Express offers robust security features to ensure the protection of sensitive information. With encryption, user authentication, and secure cloud storage options, the software provides a level of security essential for government use.

Another aspect worth highlighting is the software’s ability to handle a wide variety of tasks within government operations. From creating visually rich training materials for employees to designing public awareness campaigns, Adobe Express caters to a wide range of needs. Its features enable the development of interactive forms, streamlined workflows, and the creation of accessible content, ensuring inclusivity within government initiatives.

In addition, the software’s capacity for analytics and data visualization aids in the communication and presentation of complex information. This capability is invaluable in governmental decision-making processes, enabling officials to comprehend data more effectively and communicate insights to stakeholders and the public.

The use of Adobe Express can also lead to cost and time efficiencies within government departments. The software’s user-friendly interface reduces the need for extensive training, allowing employees to quickly grasp its functionalities. Its cloud-based solutions minimize the need for extensive physical infrastructure, reducing costs related to storage and maintenance.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the implementation of Adobe Express in government operations becomes increasingly relevant. However, its adoption may require tailored training programs and guidelines to ensure its optimal use and adherence to government protocols and standards.

In conclusion, Adobe Express offers a variety of tools and features that can significantly benefit government agencies. From enhancing communication and data security to fostering efficiency and innovation, its application in the government space holds immense potential, paving the way for more effective and visually compelling government initiatives.

Contact our team today to learn more about the latest trends discussed at Adobe MAX 2023 and how Carahsoft’s Adobe experts can support your organization.

Transitioning Towards a Sustainable Healthcare Mindset at DHITS 2023

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Since the Defense Health Agency (DHA) oversees the entire military health system, it knows how important it is for members of the military and their doctors to be able to access medical records quickly and universally. In August 2023, the DHA hosted the Defense Health Information Technology Symposium (DHITS) where military health system (MHS) stakeholders discussed its newest asset– the Military Health System (MHS) Genesis. With the creation of this universal health record database, military members’ health records can easily be accessed, whether they are active-duty or not. Currently being rolled out in waves, the MHS Genesis plans to expand health records accessibility between different military branches.

Benefits from MHS Genesis

While still new, the MHS Genesis already shows improvements in several areas which include:

  • Enterprise and Cultural Interoperability: Some doctors may have different views or standards than others. This universal system makes patient files easily accessible to any doctor, regardless of military branch or practice. Now, the IT systems and Electronic Health Records (EHR) work together seamlessly. Different military branches will be able to use the same uniform system when it comes to accessing patient files and records, making the job easier for both patients and doctors.
  • Patient-Centric Care: With the MHS Genesis technology enhancements, it is now easier than ever to meet patients at their home on a Tuesday through telehealth. Telehealth is especially important within the military to give patients flexibility in choosing appointments as well as requesting information or gaining access to their medical records.
  • System and Process Automation: Medical professionals struggle with the global constraint of time. The MHS enables providers to automate tasks, saving time on things like paperwork and allowing for more one-on-one patient care.

Carahsoft Healthcare at DHITS Tradeshow Blog Embedded Image 2023Next Steps for the MHS

Currently, the entire DoD is at an 86% implementation rate for the MHS Genesis. It is actively being used in all DHA locations in the U.S. with plans to incorporate the universal health record system into the remaining treatment facilities outside of the United States by the end of 2023.

As leaders within the MHS continue their journey into modernization and sustainability, it is important that they equip people with the right knowledge and skills to be able to deliver their future vision of what military medicine should look like. The number one purpose of this emerging technology is to ensure the medical readiness of the military. The MHS Genesis will help guarantee that this stays a top priority, as it creates better access to information and helps deliver that information to the decision makers. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medical settings is an exciting development that will help with diagnosing, personal assistants, risk analysis, forecasting and more. Through AI support, doctors will be able to spend more time on their patients and less time on large amounts of paperwork.

While the implementation of the MHS Genesis has been a success, all branches of the DoD must continue to communicate and collaborate openly and effectively. They must also involve other stakeholders by breaking down data silos and sharing freely what does and does not work in an enterprise setting. This will ultimately help with addressing public health challenges, ethically using AI in a medical setting, cybersecurity and more.

The MHS journey coincides with changing the deployment approach to a “sustainment” mentality. A sustainment mindset involves focusing on:

  • Optimization of user experience: Seeking feedback and continuing to adjust the technology to enhance user experience
  • Scalability: Scaling the success and implementing the changes across the enterprise if success is found with one configuration setup
  • Standardization: Creating a standard vocabulary and process for enterprise usage, so people communicate with the same terminology across the MHS

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that patients receive the care they need. Through the MHS Genesis and the IT solutions discussed at DHITS, the MHS hopes to greatly boost patient experiences, increase trust in the military health system, reduce healthcare provider burnout and give patients and clinicians access to data in real-time.

 

Visit Carahsoft’s Department of Defense and Healthcare solutions portfolios to learn more about DHITS 2023 and how Carahsoft can support your organization in these critical marketplaces.

*The information contained in this blog has been written based off the thought-leadership discussions presented by speakers at DHITS 2023.*

Generative AI, DevSecOps and Cybersecurity Highlighted for the Air Force and Space Force at DAFITC 2023

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Thousands of Space Force and Air Force personnel and industry experts convened to discuss the most current and significant threats confronting global networks and national defense at the 2023 Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Education & Training (DAFITC) Event. Throughout the many educational sessions, thought leaders presented a myriad of topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), DevSecOps solutions and cybersecurity strategies to collaborate on the advancement of public safety.

Leveraging Generative AI in the DoD

At the event, experts outlined three distinct use cases for simplified generative artificial intelligence in military training.

  • Text to Text: This type of generative AI takes inputted text and outputs written content in a different format. Text to Text is associated with tasks such as content creation, summarization, evaluation, prediction and coding.
  • Text to Audio: Text to Audio AI can enhance accessibility and inclusion by creating audio content from written materials to support elearning and education and facilitate language translation.
  • Text to Video: Text to Video AI is primarily geared towards generating video content from a script to aid the military with language learning and training initiatives.

Dr. Lynne Graves, representative of the Department of the Air Force Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), provided attendees with a brief timeline of how the USAF will fully adopt artificial intelligence. The overarching aim for AI integration is to make it an integral part of everyday training, exercises and operations within the Department of Defense (DoD).

  • In FY23, the DoD is focusing on pipeline assessment. Using red teaming where ethical hackers run simulations to identify weaknesses in the system, internal military personnel target improvement of their infrastructure and mitigation of the vulnerabilities in the different stages of the pipeline.
  • In FY24, the emphasis will be on the Red Force Migration policy, which involves developing, funding and scaling the necessary strategies.
  • In FY25, the goal is for the department to become AI-ready. This entails preparing for AI adoption at all agency levels, establishing a standard model card that explains context for the model’s intended use and other important information, creating a comprehensive repository of data and implementing tools for extensive testing, evaluation and verification.

Carahsoft AI, Cybersecurity, DevSecOps at DAFITC Tradeshow Blog Embedded Image 2023USSF Supra Coders Utilize DevSecOps for Innovation

The current operations of United States Space Force (USSF) Supra Coders involve a range of activities that combine modeling, simulation and expertise in replicating threats. These operations are conducted globally, and currently include orbit-related activities, replication of DA ASAT (Direct Ascent Anti-Satellite) capabilities and the reproduction of adversarial Space Domain Awareness (SDA).

The USSF Supra Coders have encountered limitations with software solutions, including restrictions tied to standalone systems, licensing structures with associated costs and limited adaptability to meet the specific needs of aggressors and USSF requirements. DevSecOps presents a multifaceted strategy for mitigating the identified capability gaps noted by the USSF Supra Coders. It can help create more effective and efficient software solutions through seamless integration of security protocols, streamlining system integration processes, optimizing costs and enhancing customizability.

Cybersecurity Within the Space Force

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across the DoD but is especially relevant for the U.S. Space Force. As a relatively newly emerging branch of the military, the Space Force is still developing its cyber strategies. Due to its completely virtual link to its capabilities, the USSF must prioritize secure practices from the outset and make informed decisions to protect its networks and data.

Currently, the Space Force is engaged in the initial phases of pre-mission analysis for its cyber component which serves as a critical element for establishing and maintaining infrastructure through the integration of command and control (C2). These cyber capabilities encounter a series of complex challenges, which necessitate a multifaceted approach including the following solutions:

  • Enforcing Consistent Cybersecurity Compliance
  • Developing Secure Methods to Safely Retire Old Technology
  • Enhancing Cryptography Visibility
  • Understanding Security Certificate Complexity
  • Identifying Vulnerabilities and Mitigating Unknown Cyber Risks

While the Space Force faces a uniquely heightened imperative to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities with its inherent reliance on information technology and networks in the space domain, the entire community must collaborate effectively to achieve military leaders’ targeted cybersecurity capabilities by the goal in 2027.

The integration of generative AI in military training, innovations through DevSecOps by the USSF Supra Coders and cybersecurity initiatives of the Space Force collectively highlight the evolving landscape of advanced technologies within the Department of Defense. Technology providers can come alongside the military to support these efforts with new solutions that enhance the DoD’s capabilities and security.

 

Visit Carahsoft’s Department of Defense market and DevSecOps vertical solutions portfolios to learn more about DAFITC 2023 and how Carahsoft can support your organization in these critical areas. 

*The information contained in this blog has been written based off the thought-leadership discussions presented by speakers at DAFITC 2023.*

Software, AI, Cloud and Zero Trust as Top Priorities for the Army and DoD at Large at TechNet Augusta 2023

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Many of the major cybersecurity, data, DevSecOps and other trends from the past couple of years continue to grow and be top priorities for every segment of the Department of Defense (DoD). At TechNet Augusta 2023, Government and industry experts shared the specific needs of their organizations across those areas and solutions to help achieve their goals. The main theme of the event was “Enabling a Data-Centric Army” and expanding those principles and their mobilizing technologies to the entire DoD. For the Army in particular, the shift from hardware to software, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud capabilities and Zero Trust were headlining topics at the conference.

Shifting from Hardware to Software

In an effort to increase agility and expand access to resources, the Army is transitioning its equipment from hardware to software. Amending its materiel release process to decouple software from hardware allows the Army to deploy software outside of the long hardware acquisition cycle. To mobilize this endeavor, the Army Futures Command (AFC), is modifying its software requirements to focus on high-level overviews that are then refined by operators. Alongside this shift, the Army and other departments requested that technology providers ensure that their software solutions integrate with each other. Going forward, the Army also asked industry to provide software that is not tied to specific hardware. This separation will be key to establishing data-centricity. Nearly every speaker echoed the importance of this shift for their departments.

Utilizing AI

With this major transition to a software-heavy environment, Army Chief Data and Analytics Officer David Markowitz believes it will be an ideal use case for generative AI in software development. Having a controlled environment in software development would make it easier to properly govern compared to the complexity of some of the other uses. As AI usage increases across the DoD, military leaders requested industry create AI platforms with layered complexity of features enabling users of any skill level to utilize the technology effectively. In regard to AI applications for data, Army CIO Leonel Garciga stated that additional guidance on “Data Use on Public/Commercial Platforms” would be released soon to clarify its policy. Overall, officials concurred that the DoD is not looking to become 100% reliant on AI aid but instead maximize AI’s strengths to augment human critical thinking and empower commanders to make data-driven decisions.

Enabling Cloud Capabilities

Over the past year, the Army has exponentially increased its cloud migration and virtualized capabilities. Housing information in the cloud optimizes data storage and simplifies ease of access particularly with the increase in data output, and the push for AI data analytics and data-driven decisions. Hybrid cloud solutions offer the readiness, adaptability and duplication of vital information necessary for military operations to continue smoothly in any situation. Currently, DoD leaders seek industry solutions for modernizing and moving applications to the cloud simultaneously. Acquiring technology with this ability would reduce both the security risk and the work required from the military to implement it.

Expanding Zero Trust

Overarching every aspect of the DoD is the critical need for cybersecurity. Garciga plans to emphasize Zero Trust implementation heavily in conjunction with improving user experience and cyber posture. While multi-factor authentication offers a great starting point, military leaders explained that it is not enough and that they look to partner with industry to close virtualization vulnerabilities through continuous monitoring and regular red teaming. At the conference, the Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) outlined seven principles for IT providers to follow for all capabilities they deliver:

  • Rapidly Patch Software
  • Assess All Production Code for Security Flaws
  • Improve Security of Development Networks
  • Isolate Development Environments from the Internet and from the Vendor Business Network
  • Implement Development Network Security Monitoring
  • Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on Development Network and Testing Services
  • Implement Role-based Permissions on Development Network

Empowering DoD Success

A consistent thread woven throughout the event was the vital nature of open communication and partnership between the DoD and technology companies to achieve the established goals. Within each of these areas including the shift from hardware to software, use of AI, cloud capabilities and Zero Trust, the DoD looks to innovate and explore new methods and solutions to stay ahead on the world platform. Together through collaboration, industry can have a vital role in keeping American citizens safe one technology update at a time.

 

Explore our Federal Defense Technology Solutions Portfolio to learn how Carahsoft can support your organization through innovative, agile defense resources and IT capabilities.

*The information contained in this blog has been written based off the thought-leadership discussions presented by speakers at TechNet Augusta 2023.*

Security Protections to Maximize the Utility of Generative AI

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Since the introduction of ChatGPT, artificial intelligence (AI) has exponentially expanded. While machine learning has introduced many merits, it also leads to security concerns that can be alleviated through several key strategies.

The Benefits and Risks of Generative AI

Broadcom Generative AI Blog Embedded Image 2023The primary focus of AI is to use data and computations to aid in decision-making. Generative AI can create text responses, videos, images, code, 3D products and more. AI as a Service, cloud-based offerings of AI, helps experts get work done more efficiently by advancing infrastructure at a quicker pace. In contrast, AI is also commonly used by the general public as a toy, since its responses can sometimes be entertaining. The comfort users have with AI and wide range of inputs introduces risk, and these risks can proliferate exponentially.

There are several key concerns for Government agencies when utilizing generative AI:

  • Copyright Complications – AI content comes from many different sources, and that content may be copyrighted. It is difficult to know who owns the words, images or source code that is generated, as the AI’s algorithm is based on derivative information. The data could be open sourced or proprietary information. To combat this, users should modify rather than copy any information gained from AI.
  • Abuse by Attackers – Bad actors can utilize AI to execute more effective and efficient attacks. While AI is not yet self-sufficient, inexperienced attackers can use AI to make phishing attacks more convincing, personal and effective.
  • Sensitive Data Loss – Users have, either intentionally or unintentionally, input sensitive data or confidential information into Generative AI systems. It is easier to disclose sensitive information into AI prompts, as users may dissociate the risk from the non-human machine.

The many capabilities of AI entice employees to utilize it to support their daily tasks. However, when this includes introducing sensitive information, such as meeting audios for transcripts or unique program codes, security concerns ensue. Once data is in the AI’s system, it is nearly impossible to have it removed.

To protect themselves from security and copyright issues with AI, several large communications companies and school districts have blocked ChatGPT. However, this still carries risk. Employees or students will find ways around security walls to use AI. Instead of blocking apps, organizations should create a specific policy around generative AI that is communicated to everyone in the company.

Combatting AI Risks

One such policy method includes utilizing a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution. The DLP’s purpose is to detect and prevent unauthorized data transmission, and its capabilities can be applied to AI tools to mitigate these concerns. Its security parameters work through three main steps:

  1. Discover – DLPs can detect where data is stored and report on its location to ensure proper storage and accessibility based on its classification.
  2. Monitor – Agencies can oversee data usage to verify that it is being used appropriately.
  3. Protect – By educating employees and enforcing data-loss policies, DLPs can deter hackers from leaking or stealing data.

DLP endpoints can reside on laptops or desktops and provide full security coverage by monitoring data uploads, blocking data copied to removable media, blocking print and fax options and covering cloud-sync applications. For maximum security, agencies should utilize DLPs that cover all types of data storage—data at rest, data in use and data in motion. A unified policy based on detection and response to data leaks will prevent users from misapplying AI and provide balance for secure operation.

While agencies want to stay competitive and benefit from AI, they must also recognize and take steps to reduce the risks involved. Through educating users about the pros and cons of AI and implementing a DLP to prevent accidental data leakages, agencies can achieve their intended results.

 

Broadcom is a global infrastructure technology leader that aims to enhance excellence in data innovation and collaboration. To learn more about data protection considerations for generative AI, view Broadcom’s webinar on security and AI.

Empowering Public Sector Technical Teams With Generative AI in a Secure Collaboration Platform

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Recent advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI) – with its seemingly limitless potential use cases – have captured the public imagination. And they’re just as compelling to government agencies and the military. Organizations across the public and private sectors are racing to identify the most effective applications of the technology and to implement robust and secure solutions enabled by generative AI.

For instance, generative AI can be a powerful assistant to technical and operational teams such as those involved in application development and incident response. The technology can help teams gain real-time insights, bring to light solutions to unexpected problems, and help make fast, data-driven decisions.

It’s with those advantages in mind that Mattermost partnered with Ask Sage to integrate the Ask Sage GPT solution with the Mattermost secure collaboration platform. The result is secure, AI-enhanced collaboration for technical teams in the U.S. public sector.

Real-time Insights, Natural-language Format

Mattermost is a secure, workflow-centric collaboration platform for technical and operational teams that need to meet nation-state-level security and trust requirements. Available self-hosted or in the cloud, Mattermost integrates team messaging, audio and screen share, technical tools, workflow automation, and project management in an open-source solution.

Mattermost Generative AI Blog Embedded Image 2023

Ask Sage is a GPT-powered platform provider that specializes in enabling secure access to Generative AI capabilities for both government and commercial teams. With a wide range of use cases, including summarization, coding, code review, code improvement, RFP writing, responding and evaluation, and report writing, Ask Sage is built on cutting-edge AI technologies such as Azure OpenAI GPT, Cohere, Google Bard, and various open-source LLMs. The solution can ingest custom datasets, tap into APIs, and connect to data lakes for real-time data and insights in a natural-language format.

Ask Sage can quickly and automatically process large amounts of structured and unstructured data – including government-related data such as laws, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), DoD Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and DoD policy and governance content. Outputs include summaries, translations, sentiment analysis, deep insights, and coding.

Integration of Ask Sage with Mattermost provides technical teams with secure, real-time access to generative AI to enhance collaboration, operational productivity, and decision quality. Government and contractor teams can now securely leverage the power of OpenAI and collaborate within a single, seamless interface.

Real-time Insights, Natural-language Format

With this strategic integration, Mattermost equips technical teams to leverage generative AI to accelerate processes, increase output, and improve outcomes. It’s ideal for government teams that write code, manage RFPs, analyze large data sets, or develop and translate intelligence reports.

Ask Sage offers rapid data analysis and summarization to help teams gain new insights as circumstances evolve. Team members spend less time and effort on manual research and analysis, giving them more time to focus on higher-priority decision-making and strategic tasks.

Users can improve the accuracy and depth of Ask Sage results by uploading relevant data –which is labeled by classification level, encrypted, and separated from the OpenAI models. Once uploaded, the data can be accessed only by authorized users through granular access controls within Mattermost.

Collaboration Purpose-built for Public Sector

Mattermost is well-suited to technical public sector teams, because it’s available as an on-prem, self-hosted deployment. That means teams can collaborate securely with lower risk of compromise. It’s also an open-source solution, so organizations can tailor security settings to protect information at impact levels up to IL6 for DoD Secret data. That’s protection that general-purpose, cloud-based productivity and instant-message tools can’t match.

The platform allows teams to create as many topic- or project-specific communication channels as they need. These channels allow users to centralize conversations, data, and tools – including Ask Sage – in the right context. That keeps team members focused and productive, without the need to continually context-switch.

Another useful Mattermost feature is built-in, customizable playbooks – essentially digital checklists – that help team members consistently take the right actions at the right times. Mattermost playbooks can now include generative AI to further automate and accelerate project workflows and incident response.

Leveraging Mattermost’s secure collaboration platform combined with Ask Sage’s generative AI capabilities can revolutionize the way government teams work together, manage technical projects, and respond to mission-critical situations. As interest in OpenAI GPT and similar platforms grows, this strategic integration is a gamechanger in enabling U.S. government and military organizations to securely benefit from generative AI.

Speak with a member of our team today and learn more about Mattermost at www.mattermost.com.

5 Essential Applications of AI Technology in Education

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When growing up and sitting through math class, students often heard teachers say that students should not rely on a calculator to do their math for them. After all, they would never have a calculator in their pockets. Today, that statement could not be farther from the truth. Now, many students have an entire computer in their pockets with a calculator just a click of a button away. The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has increased exponentially within the last few decades, and students and educators alike must embrace the latest in AI and education technology to keep up with the pace.

Carahsoft AI in EdTech Blog Embedded Image 2023In all learning environments, students and teachers rely on modern technologies to enhance their experiences to be as informational, productive and efficient as possible. In recent years, hybrid learning and collaborative digital spaces became essential components of education for both K-12 and higher education organizations. With this development, education technology has evolved and expanded to include new and more advanced AI systems inside and outside the classroom.

The needs of students are always changing, and educators must constantly adapt to progressive ways of teaching and learn different technologies or platforms that can assist with their daily lessons. With the implementation of AI and numerous benefits of digital learning, all students and instructors can achieve a more wholistic and innovative education. These five topics demonstrate how AI is an essential tool in the learning process for various types of learners across K-12 and higher education.

  • Communication

Carahsoft AI in EdTech Blog Icon 5 Image 2023Innovative trends in education technology have made it possible for students and staff to stay connected, whether through remote online learning or collaborative learning in the classroom. AI tools like SMS bots, predictive technology and ChatGPT can assist students in tasks such as navigating their school’s learning platforms, researching and preparing information for assignments and getting real-time answers to their questions. AI can also help teachers and professors orchestrate discussion points between students and guide next steps within small group collaborative projects.[1]

  • Automation

Carahsoft AI in EdTech Blog Icon 4 Image 2023For teachers, implementing AI can help automate repetitive daily tasks like grading tests and quizzes, and catching minor mistakes within written essays. This way they have more freedom and time to focus on in-depth feedback, creating comprehensive lesson plans and spending one-on-one time with their students. Additionally, AI tools can give students instant feedback on their work, allowing them to be more independent in identifying inaccuracies and recognizing successful projects.[2]

  • Immersive Learning

Carahsoft AI in EdTech Blog Icon 3 Image 2023Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are becoming increasingly more popular in students’ everyday lives, so using these technologies as a learning tool is familiar and compelling for them to gain valuable experiences in the classroom. Immersive technologies can simulate real-world scenarios for students to gain hands-on experience with low risk, like medical simulations and technical experiments. It also can allow students to break the barrier between their physical space and complex concepts like observing the planets up close or enlarging and examining something microscopic.[3] Not only do AR and VR create expansive opportunities for students to view and understand concepts in new and captivating ways, but they also create an additional, interactive and collaborative avenue of learning for students who may not be as responsive to traditional tools like textbooks and study guides.[4]

  • Data-Driven Results

Carahsoft AI in EdTech Blog Icon 1 Image 2023Throughout a student’s education, data is continually collected to better understand and predict their developing needs and most effective learning strategies. AI technologies can quickly and automatically analyze and report on this data, allowing teachers and professors to evaluate trends in an individual student’s or an entire class’s performance. Empowered with this knowledge, educators can tailor their lesson plans and take a more proactive approach to supporting students’ needs, ultimately increasing academic improvement for all.[5]

  • Personalized Learning

Carahsoft AI in EdTech Blog Icon 2 Image 2023Student’s learning styles can vary depending on many factors. For example, some students learn best through more visual and interactive experiences, while others may learn best through memorization and flashcards. Analyzing data collected by AI can help teachers be more informed and prepared educators for different kinds of learners. By applying the insights gathered from AI algorithms, educators can create personalized tracks for individual students, including aspects like adjusting the types of content, working with their comfortability, tailoring to their pace of learning and understanding their comprehension of learning objectives.[6] Additionally, AI technologies can help teachers plan, schedule and produce suggested lesson ideas more efficiently so they can target instruction and reduce the time it takes to create activities that best support each student.[5]

As AI becomes more common in education, maintaining academic integrity and validity within assignments of any kind will remain top of mind for educators. While earlier AI systems are designed to help students achieve academic success, newer AI systems are intended to empower teachers to optimize the use of artificial intelligence for students and encourage positive, ethical engagement with AI technologies.[7] Fostering trust among educators to cultivate the most prosperous learning environment through the implementation of AI can further personal, social and educational growth for all students.

Explore Carahsoft’s education technology solutions to learn how your organization can work together with our top innovative EdTech vendors to bridge the digital divide and meet the demands of modern education.

 

Resources:

[1] Office of Ed Tech. “AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning: New Interactions, New Choices.” Medium, https://medium.com/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning-new-interactions-new-choices-c726bcf03012

[2] Shonubi, Olufemi. “Council Post: AI in the Classroom: Pros, Cons and the Role of Edtech Companies.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2023/02/21/ai-in-the-classroom-pros-cons-and-the-role-of-edtech-companies/?sh=2cb4a227feb4

[3] Dick, Ellysse. “The Promise of Immersive Learning: Augmented and Virtual Reality’s Potential in Education.” Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. https://itif.org/publications/2021/08/30/promise-immersive-learning-augmented-and-virtual-reality-potential/

[4] Dani, Vishal. “How Augmented Reality Creates Interactive and Engaging Classrooms.” Kitaboo, https://kitaboo.com/augmented-reality-creates-interactive-and-engaging-classrooms/

[5] Gururaj, Tejasri. “10 Examples of Artificial Intelligence Improving Education.” Interesting Engineering, https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/examples-how-artificial-intelligence-improving-education

[6] Dani, Vishal. “9 Trends in Education Technology That Will Have a Major Impact.” Kitaboo, https://kitaboo.com/trends-in-education-technology/

[7] Office of Ed Tech. “AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Engaging Educators.” Medium, https://medium.com/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning-engaging-educators-141e90c5e29f