VA eyes next-generation smart cards

WHAT: A new ID verification system for Veterans Affairs

WHY: Government agencies raced to implement two-factor authentication in the recent cybersecurity sprint, following the devastating hacks of federal personnel data. The VA finished the sprint within the bounds of success set by federal CIO Tony Scott, with 100 percent of privileged users and 80 percent of unprivileged users accessing agency networks via two-factor authentication.

Technology has changed in the roughly eight years since VA began to roll out its PIV program. Now VA is looking at the next generation of Personal Identity Verification cards. In a recent request for information, the tech team at VA announced it wants to hear from vendors about what is and isn't possible in PIV cards. The VA looks interested in systems that allow for the remote revocation and reassignment of encryption keys and in adding biometric features to the PIV mix. The VA also wants ideas on PIV solutions that can provide ongoing interfaces with databases and resources that contain information on the card-holder, such as criminal records and background check information.

Reponses are due by Oct. 15.