FCW Insider: Dec. 15

Hack at Treasury and Commerce spurs emergency order from CISA

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued an emergency directive late Sunday night after reported breaches at two cabinet agencies. The Department of Homeland Security, CISA's parent agency, also has reportedly been breached.

OPM succession shuffle sparks Schedule F concerns

Experts worry that an executive order with the potential to politicize the civil service could do lasting damage, even if rescinded by the incoming Biden administration.

Congress moves to bring back domestic microelectronics manufacturing

The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act would sets a timetable for DOD to stop buying microelectronics manufactured in certain countries, potentially boosting domestic manufacturing for national security.

DHS tests tech to spot rogue wireless devices

The Department of Homeland Security's research and development arm is testing a portable wireless device detection system that would track down unauthorized gear.

Quick Hits

*** A report from the Inspector General at the Department of Commerce found that agency head Wilbur Ross did not notify the Ethics Law and Programs Division about his participation in meeting that included discussion of sectors in which Ross has significant personal investments. The report did not allege any criminal conduct but did say some of Ross's activities created an "appearance of impropriety." The IG report also looked at Ross's many short sales of stock, and found "evidence supporting a finding he used his office for private gain."

*** The Office of Personnel Management issued a question-and-answer document on how to implement aspects of an executive order that makes it easier to fire federal employees through closer tracking of probation period performance, curtailing unofficial performance improvement plans and eliminating "tables of penalties" from collective bargaining agreements.