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Lucas Ropek

Staff Writer

Lucas Ropek is a former staff writer for Government Technology.

Emerging Tech

Portland, Ore., Puts Crosshairs on Facial Recognition Tech

As cities draw hard lines over use of the rapidly developing technology, Portland's policy — with a unique focus on both private and public use — could mean a new standard for privacy protection.

September 23, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
PCIO

How Louisiana Responded to Its Recent Ransomware Attacks

Through quick response and an existing cyberthreat response system, the state managed to stave off what could have been a much more disastrous attack that would have affected twice as many communities.

September 19, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

L.A., IBM Launch Threat Intelligence Platform for Businesses

The first publicly available platform of its kind in the U.S., it's aimed at offering small and mid-sized businesses cyberthreat tracking capabilities and trend analysis that otherwise wouldn't be accessible.

September 18, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Emerging Tech

Police Facial Recognition Ban Clears California Senate

Under the proposed law, police would be barred from equipping their body cameras with facial recognition software for a period of three years. Questions about the accuracy of the technology and privacy are central issues.

September 12, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Workforce & People

Baltimore CIO, Who Managed Ransomware Response, on Leave

The duration of Johnson's leave is not clear, but a city official says deputy IT chief Todd Carter will be stepping in to manage day-to-day operations. Johnson faced criticism for his response to the May cyberattack.

September 10, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Policy

Is Industry Ready for the California Consumer Privacy Act?

The business community's push for changes to the California Consumer Privacy Act were mostly rebutted throughout 2019's legislative session, leaving many in the private sector anxious about the future.

September 10, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
USC Launches New Neighborhood Crime Data Initiative

The University of Southern California’s new data project will show how neighborhood crime in Los Angeles intersects with other policy areas like homelessness and housing, education, economic development, and jobs.

August 29, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

How Texas Cities Are Handling Recent Ransomware Attacks

Together with federal authorities and other partners, the state government has stepped in to help municipalities ailing from the large, coordinated attack that left town data locked up by malware.

August 27, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Cybersecurity

Texas Towns Slammed in 'Coordinated' Ransomware Attack

The widespread cyberattack came at the end of last week, plunging the state into response and recovery mode. At least 23 cities and towns are working with state and federal authorities to mitigate the damage.

August 19, 2019
· Lucas Ropek
Government Experience

Facebook’s Facial Recognition Feature Could Cost It Billions

A 2015 lawsuit alleges the company’s tagging feature violated Illinois biometric privacy laws when applied to residents’ photos without permission. Now, an opinion out of a federal appeals court is moving the case forward.

August 15, 2019
· Lucas Ropek