Digital Government

Social Security Administration CIO to Depart

SSA’s assistant deputy commissioner will assume the role beginning Oct. 26.

Cybersecurity

NSA Launches Diversity Initiative to Grow Bench of Job-Ready Cybersecurity Talent

Historically Black Colleges and Universities are in the political spotlight as policy makers describe deep benefits to expanding and diversifying the cybersecurity workforce.

Digital Government

Watchdog: White VA Employees Twice as Likely to Be Promoted as Black Workers

The American Federation of Government Employees said Thursday that new data it obtained via the Freedom of Information Act underscores its allegations of systemic racism pervading the Veterans Affairs Department.

Digital Government

GPO Employees Overwhelmingly Satisfied With Leadership, IT Support During COVID-19 Telework

Employees gave their agency very high marks but asked for clarity about essential onsite work and use of personal IT equipment.

Ideas

Teachers Play a Critical Role in Shaping Girls' Future as Coders

Educators need to be aware of their own implicit biases that can lead to differences in how they recognize what girls can do in coding.

Ideas

The Chinese MSS Is Attacking Us with Our Own Tools

Here’s how to get ahead of the adversary with integrated cyber defenses.

Digital Government

Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Make Payroll Tax Deferral Optional

Legislation requiring workers, including federal employees and military service members, to consent in writing to have their Social Security taxes deferred between now and the end of the year has the support of nearly 20 employee groups.

Emerging Tech

Defense to Outfit and Steer Military Dogs with Augmented Reality Goggles

Sights are set on tapping new technology to help better protect soldiers and the canines they guide.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Protect All Feds’ Leave Following COVID

Although OPM’s current policy only waives the 30-day annual leave cap for essential employees who are unable to use their leave due to their duties responding to the coronavirus pandemic, Democrats in Congress want to extend the waiver to all federal workers.

Cybersecurity

DHS Exempts Expanded Insider Threat Program From Key Privacy Act Provisions

The agency will be allowed to collect large amounts of data without having to follow several provisions regarding disclosure, relevance and the sharing of that information.

Modernization

VA, NARA Complete Digitization Effort to Help Speed Up Disability Claims for Some Veterans

Records that fill 29,000 boxes will now be used to validate service-connected disability benefits claims for veterans exposed to toxins like Agent Orange in waters near Vietnam.

Digital Government

OPM Updates Job Qualifications Following Hiring Executive Order

The Office of Personnel Management is asking agencies for feedback on a draft list of the qualifications required for federal jobs as part of the implementation of a recent executive order emphasizing applicants’ skills and experience, rather simply education.

Ideas

Women Equal Men in Computing Skill, but Are Less Confident

Women in STEM careers remains around 24% even though women make up almost 50% of the overall workforce.

Ideas

How Nontraditional Hires Can Fill the Tech Talent Gap

Individuals with a high emotional intelligence, creativity and problem-solving skills can be well-suited to IT roles.

Ideas

Addressing Insider Threats with Event Triggers 

An insider threat program that incorporates financial triggers can help identify at-risk individuals.