Cybersecurity

Former Presidential Adviser Advocates Tougher Software Vendor Standards After Breach

The environment where updates for the company’s software were developed was reportedly protected by a password anyone could guess.

Modernization

Veterans Affairs Publishes Employee Experience Journey Map

Agency officials believe positive employee experiences translate to improved service delivery to its veterans.

Cybersecurity

Biden Disputes Trump’s Claim that Hack is Under Control

The president-elect called for an official attribution to Russia but said a damage assessment is necessary before discussing the appropriate response.

Emerging Tech

CBP Should Halt Expansion of the Biometric Entry-Exit Program, Many Commenters Write

Advocacy groups and the City of Portland wrote the Homeland Security Department urging a full stop on expanding the use of facial recognition technologies. 

Modernization

CISA Releases Draft Use Case For Securing Remote, Mobile and Teleworking Connections

The cybersecurity agency wants feedback on how to secure remote users under the Trusted Internet Connection 3 policy.

Modernization

No Failures in Latest FITARA Scorecard But 5 Agencies Slip

In a first, every agency got an A on at least one metric. But a new column on telecom transition brought several agencies down.

Policy

Spending Agreement Would Allow 1% Pay Raise, Fails to Ban Schedule F

Provision in the fiscal 2021 omnibus appropriations bill would give feds until the end of next year to repay payroll taxes deferred by the Trump administration from September through December.

Emerging Tech

Two Years into the Government’s National Quantum Initiative

An Office of Science and Technology Policy official offered a look back on what’s unfolded—and a glimpse into what’s to come.

Digital Government

VA to Begin COVID-19 Vaccinations at 128 More Sites 

The Veterans Affairs Secretary said the approval of a second vaccine allows the department to inoculate more health care providers and veterans.

Cybersecurity

Trump Officials Deliver Plan to Split Up Cyber Command, NSA

An end to the “dual hat” arrangement has been debated for years — but the timing raises questions. The plan requires Milley's certification to move ahead.

Digital Government

OPM Proposes Prioritizing Job Performance Over Tenure in Layoffs

Officials at the Office of Personnel Management are seeking to finalize a provision of President Trump’s controversial workforce executive orders before he leaves office.

Digital Government

Tech Industry Group Recommends Biden Admin Reimagine How Government Does IT

The Alliance for Digital Innovation unveiled a series of legislative and policy proposals for President-elect Joe Biden to consider.

Emerging Tech

The Evolution of Public Health

Driven by a global pandemic, federal agencies stepped up with new strategies and embraced new technical capabilities to combat the coronavirus and meet their missions. 

Cybersecurity

Amid Massive Hack, Lawmakers Urge Trump to Sign Defense Bill with New Cybersecurity Legislation

As the government scrambles to understand the widening compromise, legislation to shore up the nation’s cyber defenses sits unsigned on the President’s desk.

Cybersecurity

DIU, CISA Team Up to Coordinate Cybersecurity Tech Investments

The Defense and Homeland Security departments agreed to develop cybersecurity technologies for national security applications together.

Cybersecurity

House Committees Launch Investigation into Alleged Russian Hack of Federal Agencies

President-elect Joe Biden also promised to elevate cybersecurity “as an imperative” across government.