FCW Insider: May 11, 2021

Why zero trust is having a moment

FCW recently gathered a group of IT leaders to explore why this long-discussed concept is now getting traction and how they are approaching what is still a somewhat daunting transformation. They said that improved technologies and growing threats have agencies actively pursuing dynamic and context-driven security.

White House, CISA react to pipeline ransomware attack

Senior administration officials say multiple government agencies are working to distribute information to industry about the ransomware attack that led to the shutdown of a key natural gas pipeline for the East Coast.

ICYMI: OPM extends deadline on implementing Trump-era hiring policy

The Biden administration extended the deadline for federal agencies to implement portions of a Trump-era executive order aimed putting less reliance on educational attainment in federal hiring.

Quick Hits

*** Ann Dunkin, formerly CIO of the Environmental Protection Agency, is rejoining the federal government as Department of Energy CIO, the agency announced May 10. After exiting the EPA in 2017, Dunkin took post of CIO for the County of Santa Clara in California. She moved to an executive post at Dell Technologies focused on state and local governments.

*** The Biden administration withdrew a pending policy change that would have allowed the Department of Homeland Security to collect biometric data collection from any individual seeking immigration benefits.

*** Politico reported that Brett Goldstein, director of the Defense Digital Service, is resigning at the end of June. Katie Olson, the DDS deputy director, will take over on an acting basis.