Web Headlines

Headlines from around the Web for Friday, Feb. 29, 2008
Compiled by Melanie Bender

ITIL Adoption Increases in U.S., Proficiency Still Lacking

NetworkWorld

A survey of CIOs across five contients showed the number of U.S. CIOs using ITIL and other best practice frameworks is gaining on the global adoption rate, but less than 10 percent of those polled in the U.S. consider themselves "true practictioners."

RFID May Track, Safeguard Global Blood Supply

ComputerWorld

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are hoping to use radio-frequency identification technology to create a way to better track blood supplies around the world -- a practice that could lead to better handling and fewer instances of patients receiving the wrong blood.

Violating Internet, E-Mail Policy Will Get You Fired

ComputerWorld

A study found more than a quarter of companies have fired employees for violating company e-mail and Internet policies. While most employees terminated workers for accessing pornography or other inappropriate content, as many as 34 percent of managers in the study said they let go of workers for excessive personal use of the Internet.

Officials Split on Viability of Border-Fence Project

The New York Times

Federal officials can not seem to agree on the effectiveness and functionality of the Department of Homeland Security's virtual fence test on the border between Arizona and Mexico.

Google Sites Challenges CIO's Authority

CIO Insight

With the launch of Google Sites, Web-accessible collaborative software that promises to ease the sharing of data, CIOs will lose some of their control over what applications are being used in their companies.

FAR Council Issues Final Security Configuration Rule

Federal Computer Week

The Federal Acquisition Regulations Council issued its final rule, stating contracting officers must include the requirements to use the Federal Desktop Core Configuration for Microsoft Windows XP and Vista in all applicable procurements.

Malicious E-mails Spoof DOJ Address

Government Computer News

A trickle of phony e-mails purporting to be from the Justice Department and carrying apparently malicious attachments has been found by security researchers from MX Logic, an anti-spam company.

Lawmakers Criticize Security Clearance Practices

WashingtonTechnology

Lawmakers at a House Intelligence Committee hearing said many potentially good candidates may have their clearance applications rejected because of outdated policies. However, officials at OMB and and OPM said they've made improvements in the efficiency of the process.

High Voter Turnout Prompts Resource Concerns for Nov.

USA Today

Record turnout in this year's presidential primaries has election officials worried about possible shortages of machines, ballots and poll workers in November.

Florida Touch-Screen Voting Machines to be Recycled or Resold

St. Petersburg Times

A Tampa company will recycle or resell most of the 29,000 touch-screen voting machines in Florida after less than six years of use, the secretary of state said Thursday.