The Director of National Intelligence said that the U.S. needs to be prepared for cyber event on a massive scale. In addition, a new study highlights the benefits, and transition challenges, when it comes to federal agencies embracing the cloud. And, NOAA launched our nation’s first deep space satellite. Be sure to read about this and much more in this week’s Federal News Round Up.

DNI Clapper Highlights Cyber as Top Concern
As cyber attacks grow more sophisticated and persistent, the United States must be prepared for a cyber event on a massive scale, said Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.

Analyzing the Federal Government’s Use of the Cloud
The Brookings Institute issued a study that the highlighted the benefits that public agencies gain when using cloud services, and the barriers they face when making the transition.

CIA to Launch Private App Store Next Month
The Central Intelligence Agency just stood up a private cloud environment on infrastructure built by Amazon Web Services and, taking a cue from the private sector, is getting ready to launch an app marketplace next month.

DARPA Seeks To Deepen Human Connections with Machines
DAPRA is developing a program that seeks to develop technology to facilitate communication between humans and machines.

OMB Needs Cyber Specialists
As the Office of Management and Budget looks to get more active in helping agencies with cybersecurity, the Office of E-Government and Information Technology needs more cyber specialist to help achieve this goal.

NOAA’s New Deep Space Solar Monitoring Satellite Launches
Last month, NOAA launched the nation’s first operational satellite in deep space, which will orbit between the Earth and the Sun.