Digital Government

Better Data Would Help Federal Response to Missing Indigenous Women, Watchdog Says

The Government Accountability Office recommends improving database access and management, as well as better communication, to help resolve cases of missing and murdered Native American and Alaskan women.

Digital Government

Pentagon Removes Thousands of Images of the War in Afghanistan from Website

The move, which officials said is temporary, was prompted by concerns that the Taliban would retaliate against Afghans depicted in them, the Defense Department said.

Emerging Tech

Health Agency Seeks Feedback on Personal Protective Technology Hub

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is looking for innovative ideas to maximize the protection different types of gear offers in different industry sectors. 

Artificial Intelligence

Presidential Advisers Recommend Agencies Invest in Automating Software Assurance

The National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee is about to meet with senior cybersecurity officials from the White House on the issue.

Cybersecurity

Researchers Push FITARA-Like Scorecard for Cybersecurity

A recent MITRE report lays out eight ways the federal government can improve cybersecurity habits across all agencies, hinging on enhanced Congressional funding and oversight. 

Ideas

Whistleblowers Risk Everything—Lawmakers Must Protect Them

Two pivotal pieces of legislation pending before Congress would strengthen weak whistleblower protection laws.

Digital Government

Elections Officials Are Still Receiving Death Threats and Harassment About the 2020 Election. They’re Asking Congress For Help.

Three state and local election officials testified before a Senate committee about their terrifying experiences since last year’s election in support of proposed voting reform legislation.

Cybersecurity

Most Local Governments Provide Cyber Awareness Training. Why Do 25% Let Elected Leaders Opt Out?

A new survey from the CompTIA Public Technology Institute highlights cybersecurity concerns among municipal IT professionals, including remote work and rising insurance premiums.

Cybersecurity

Utilities Face Growing Global Cyber Threat Landscape

A cybersecurity firm focused on industrial cybersecurity is tracking 15 groups, 11 of which are targeting utilities. 

Digital Government

Vacancies Act Deadline Looms for Many of Biden’s Acting Officials, But the OMB Director Is an Exception

A statutory provision allows the deputy director of the management and budget office to serve as the agency’s acting leader indefinitely. 

Digital Government

Emerging Trends in Customer Experience

Nextgov highlights the latest in digital service delivery in the federal government.

Digital Government

OMB Issues 11 Action Items for 2021 Data Strategy With 2 Months Left in the Year

The 2021 Action Plan focuses on finalizing and building on action items from the original 2020 Action Plan.

Cybersecurity

Senate Committee Chair: ‘Ransomware Has Changed the Equation’

The recent attacks on food and gas supply chains shifted how Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chair Gary Peters prioritizes cybersecurity.

Digital Government

White House Names Leaders for FCC and NTIA

With the nomination of Gigi Sohn, the FCC is also now poised to have a full suite of commissioners to tackle issues under its remit, including cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity

CISA Selects Washington Official for Election Security Team

Kim Wyman, former Secretary of State for Washington, brings a history of implementing cybersecurity practices into election procedures and enjoys support among former agency heads. 

Podcasts

Critical Update: The Federal CISO Is Prioritizing Flexibility for Agencies

In a new age of cyberattacks, Chris DeRusha says agencies must have more room to implement practices that enable constant vigilance.

Cybersecurity

Microsoft: SolarWinds Hackers Ramping Up Attacks Through Resellers

The company said supply chain attacks by Russian government hackers over the last four months exceed those they’ve been tracking by all nation-state actors over the last three years.