Digital Government
House Democrats Reintroduce Bill to Protect Telework at Federal Agencies Amid Coronavirus Fears
The measure would prohibit agencies from making across-the-board cuts to telework programs, and require annual goals for participation in such programs.
Modernization
GAO: OMB’s Data Center Policy Puts Agencies’ Networks at Risk of Cyberattacks
The administration pushed back hard against the assertion, going so far as to request GAO remove cybersecurity from its latest report.
Cybersecurity
Cyber Commission Will Recommend Creation of a Response and Recovery Fund
Resources should flow to the private sector in addition to state, local and tribal entities, according to the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.
Cybersecurity
Nokia and Ericsson Defend Collaboration with Chinese Entities During Senator’s Inquiry
Senators want to help the companies compete against Huawei, but China touches everyone’s supply chain.
Digital Government
Unions Report No Sign of Telework Flexibilities Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Although both OPM and the CDC have strongly encouraged allowing employees to work remotely to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, several agencies have yet to respond to those recommendations.
Modernization
Real Work on TIC 3 Begins After Draft Guidance Is Finalized, Says Lead Official
Agencies are piloting some potential additional use cases in the background, which the TIC program office plans to start digging into this summer.
Cybersecurity
Federal Officials: Tackling the ‘Most Insidious’ Cyber Threat Takes Looking After Workers
Insider threat is seen as the primary attack vector for intellectual property theft and was reportedly on the rise last year.
Digital Government
Government Issued $175 Billion in Improper Payments, Watchdog Says
Despite laws and technology changes, federal agencies saw increased losses from fiscal 2018.
Policy
House Bill Wants to Curb Foreign Robocallers Targeting Americans
The legislation would create a task force to crack down on malicious calls that originate outside the U.S.
Cybersecurity
Senate Commerce Committee Is Cooking Up a Bill to Support Cyber Grand Challenges
Presidential advisers want their cybersecurity “moonshot” to become more than just another report gathering dust.
Digital Government
Bill Would Require Frequent Congressional Testimony from Acting Defense and National Security Officials
Trump administration's acting officials "limit congressional oversight of our national security," the measure's sponsor says.
Artificial Intelligence
Pentagon Confirms Alka Patel to Lead the Implementation of Its New Ethical AI Principles
The agency announced it would hire an ethicist in September.
Emerging Tech
Federal Regulators: Should Energy Companies Be Allowed to Use Cloud for Power Delivery?
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission needs to understand the risks involved before enabling power companies to adopt cloud technologies.
Digital Government
More Legislation May Be Coming to Bolster the Federal Cyber Workforce
Industry sees focus on education as a path to ending competition over personnel.
Cybersecurity
CISA Director Pushes to Discontinue Social Security Numbers as Identification
Industry is eager to promote alternatives and improvements for digital identity.
Policy
Taxing Internet Ads Could Raise Lots of Money, but Doubts Persist
Maryland could be the first in the nation to tax online ads.
Cybersecurity
End-to-End Encryption and Law Enforcement Access to Data Can Coexist, Justice Official Says
The official pointed to Australian and U.K. laws as models for the U.S. and an emerging “international consensus” on the issue.
Digital Government
Industry Offers Quick Fixes For Major Pain Points In Security Clearance Process
The background investigations backlog and wait times are down, but contractors still see hurdles in getting people cleared for sensitive work.
Cybersecurity
Report Warns of Tech Threats From ‘Other’ Chinese Companies
“The one area that China has been keen to exploit is at the state level because state governments largely are not aware of the threat it poses to them,” Sen. Marco Rubio said at the report’s release.
Digital Government