Digital Government
MIT’s App Inventor can help feds quickly create Android and iOS mobile apps
After struggling for almost six months to become somewhat proficient at Python, I was extremely impressed with how much I could do using the MIT App Inventor platform.
Digital Government
DHS releases new mobile app pushing migrants to self-deport
The Trump administration’s new Customs and Border Protection app replaces a version that allowed migrants to schedule asylum appointments at U.S. ports of entry.
Ideas
Mobile solutions are here to stay, here’s how agencies can optimize device management
Holistic mobility solutions have major advantages.
Defense
Several Pentagon commands failed to keep good track of classified mobile devices, audit finds
The report comes amid an ongoing Chinese intrusion into U.S. telecom systems. Congress is also working to shore up device protections for servicemembers through the annual defense authorization bill.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
DHS issues internal comms guidance amid telecom breach investigation
The DHS Cyber Safety Review Board is already slated to investigate the hacking collective, dubbed Salt Typhoon, and its intrusion into telecommunications firms and wiretap infrastructure.
Defense
DOD ordered to evaluate mobile device cybersecurity in 2025 defense bill
The evaluations would include basic tools like virtual private networks that encrypt connections when browsing the web.
Digital Government
GSA launches text message service for government programs in four localities and states
Norfolk, Virginia has already been using the service to remind people about Medicaid recertification.
Cybersecurity
ICE’s ‘outdated and overly permissive’ device policy left the agency vulnerable, watchdog warns
A spring audit of agency mobile devices found several banned and outdated applications installed on personnel and contractor smartphones.
Cybersecurity
Russian cyber group unleashes new malware campaign on Ukrainian military targets
A new report says a cyber threat actor within Russia’s military intelligence service leveraged a novel malware campaign targeting Android devices used by the Ukrainian military.
Cybersecurity
Public sector apps face widespread security challenges, report reveals
A new study found alarming security vulnerabilities across the vast majority of public applications over the last year.
Policy
New bill proposes 'made in China' tags for mobile apps
The legislation would require large online app stores — including Apple’s App Store and Google Play — to disclose the countries where their apps were developed and are currently owned.
Ideas
New Movie Chronicles Rise and Fall of Government’s First Secure Smartphone Devices
BlackBerry devices were at one time almost completely ubiquitous in government service.
Cybersecurity
Report: Pentagon Personnel Use Unauthorized, Unsafe Apps on Work Devices
The Defense Department’s inspector general found that unsanctioned apps downloaded onto government-issued mobile devices “could pose operational and cybersecurity risks to DOD information and information systems.”
Modernization
Asylum-Seekers Can Now Schedule Entry Appointments in Advance via CBP Mobile App
Customs and Border Protection’s mobile application, launched in October 2020 to streamline access to customs services, now includes a function for migrants to schedule appointments at select U.S. ports of entry.
Policy
FCC Moves to Limit the Number of Spam and Scam Texts
The proposed rule out of the Federal Communications Commission notes such messages should be blocked “at the network level.”
Digital Government
FCC Probe Reveals Mobile Carriers’ Data Management Practices are ‘All Over the Map’
The last time the FCC investigated mobile carriers’ practices regarding location data, it resulted in fines Jessica Rosenworcel—now chair of the commission—said were unjustly meager.
Digital Government
DHS Commits to Better Intel Sharing with Law Enforcement, Points to Mobile App
Whether the department has increased information sharing with government partners is unclear, but—either way—the quality is just not there, according to DHS’ Office of the Inspector General.
Emerging Tech
Mobile Threats Prompt Operational Changes for Government Staff
More than 80% of public sector respondents to a recent survey said they have been forced to re-evaluate workplace practices as attacks on mobile devices grow.
Emerging Tech
Apple Wallet goes live for ID verification at TSA checkpoint
Arizona is the first to integrate Apple’s biometric verification at airport security checkpoints.
Modernization