Digital Government

NIST document 'brings it all together' on FISMA

The new NIST guidance for managing information security risk is called the capstone of the agency's work on FISMA implementation.

Cybersecurity

NIST budget request could more than double cybersecurity spending

The Obama Administration wants the National Institute of Standards and Technology to get $43.4 million for cybersecurity programs, an increase that would more than double NIST's money for research and development programs in this area.

Digital Government

National strategy for identity management nearly done

The administration’s National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace is expected to be finalized this winter, and the standards-making process to support it already is under way.

People

NIST late to start work after getting paid, GAO says

Auditors scold the National Institute of Standards and Technology for taking too long to deliver results on research studies paid for by federal agencies.

Digital Government

4G public safety network to undergo first tests

Telecom industry partners are being signed up for the public safety demonstration network being established by the Commerce Department to test LTE equipment for a 700 MHz nationwide public safety network.

Digital Government

First set of Smart Grid standards submitted to energy regulators

The first standards for Smart Grid interoperability and security have completed a cybersecurity review by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and have been forwarded to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for adoption. The Energy Department also is funding research on Smart Grid security.

Digital Government

Do agencies still have year-end spending sprees?

We tried to find out what agencies are spending their year-end money on, but it might not work like that anymore.

Digital Government

Cybersecurity gets faster with blending of two protocols

The integration of government's Security Content Automation Protocols with TCG's Trusted Network Connect could add automated policy enforcement to scanning and evaluation of security status.

Digital Government

Progress is slow on harmonizing government cybersecurity policies

A task force created to bring security policies and practices for national security and non-national security systems into line with each other as produced an initial set of common standards, but much work remains before the full benefit of the process is realized, according to the GAO.

Digital Government

5 critical steps on the road to IPv6

Connecting with the rest of the world could soon require the use of IPv6, and agencies should begin preparing now to use the new protocols.

Cybersecurity

What customers want from data recovery companies -- besides their data back

A DriveSavers survey of 636 information technology security and support personnel asks for criteria in vetting a data recovery company that could wind up handling sensitive data.

Cybersecurity

As smart grid approaches, security concerns follow

The new guidelines for securing an intelligent power distribution network released build on a security framework released in January and are the product of a 450-member public-private working group headed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Cybersecurity

Can you trust your data recovery vendor?

Pressed for time and money, agencies are often lax about vetting third-party data recovery companies. New NIST guidance seeks to correct the problem.

Digital Government

Need to deploy DNSSEC? NIST publishes its how-to

NIST has updated guidelines for securing the Domain Name System, including the use of DNSSEC to cryptographically sign zone information to ensure the availability and integrity of DNS data.

Cybersecurity

Back to school: Meet NIST's leader for national cybersecurity education

Federal Computer Week spoke today with Ernest McDuffie, who is leading the National Institute of Standards and Technology's coordination of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education.

Modernization

Can the Apple iPad get any workplace respect?

Apple's iPad tablet computer is attracting some interested glances from government

Cybersecurity

Senator wants cybersecurity center at NIST

Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) is pushing to establish a new cybersecurity center of excellence at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Digital Government

Training security personnel remains a challenge

Agencies are required under FISMA to provide training for IT security personnel, and the need to husband limited resources puts a high priority on matching appropriate levels of training with personnel. NIST offers some suggestions on meeting the challenge.

Digital Government

Better cybersecurity depends on better information management

National Security Agency official Tony Sager says that sharing security information is not enough; information must be better managed to ensure that the right information about threats and vulnerabilities gets into the hands of those who need it.