Digital Government

Cyber war fever — Catch it!

Whether or not the threat is overhyped, Washington is worried about the prospect of cyber warfare, and it is an issue that needs to be addressed at the highest levels of government.

Cybersecurity

New worries emerge about Internet monitoring

The prospect of private-sector participation in the the government's latest Einstein 3 Internet monitoring and cyber defense system, even if voluntary, has raised questions about privacy and the technology's supposed superiority over tools that companies might already be using.

Cybersecurity

New DOD cyber commander seeks better situational awareness

Army Gen. Keith Alexander says the Defense Department needs a common, real-time, understanding of what's happening across its many computer networks.

Digital Government

It's official: DOD Cyber Command activated

Army Gen. Keith Alexander, head of the Defense Department's new Cyber Command, formally received his fourth star on May 21.

Digital Government

Senate confirms NSA chief as head of Pentagon's new Cyber Command

The Senate has confirmed National Security Agency Director Keith Alexander as head the Defense Department's new Cyber Command.

Digital Government

Pick to lead DOD's Cyber Command to face senators April 15

Army Lt. Gen. Keith Alexander, director of the National Security Agency, is scheduled to have his confirmation hearing to lead the Defense Department's planned Cyber Command.

Cybersecurity

DHS releases new details on Einstein 3 intrusion prevention pilot

The Homeland Security Department plans to use another agency and an Internet Service Provider to test capabilities and processes for its planned next generation network security program.

Digital Government

Nation's cybersecurity suffers from a lack of information sharing

Lack of trust between the government and private sectors still inhibits information sharing needed to defend against rapidly evolving cyberthreats.

Cybersecurity

Maryland wants to be cybersecurity epicenter

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley wants Maryland to be recognized as the leading state for cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity

3 basic steps to thwart most cyberattacks, courtesy of NSA

Three key practices can help systems withstand about 80 percent of commonly-known attack mechanisms, according to an estimate from the National Security Agency.

Cybersecurity

Government to build $1.5B cybersecurity data center

Officials plan to build a $1.5 billion data center to bolster the cybersecurity capabilities of intelligence agencies, the Defense Department, and the Homeland Security Department.

Cybersecurity

Web 2.0 review could lead to restricted use of social networking in DOD

A review on how social media should be used at the Defense Department will likely lead to a policy that allows the use of Web 2.0 tools with restrictions due to security concerns, according to a DOD spokesman.

Cybersecurity

The great cybersecurity star search

A consortium of private and government organizations has launched a program of competitions and educational opportunities for young people to build the next-generation cybersecurity workforce.

Modernization

The other silver linings

Government outfits like the Army recruiting service, Washington, D.C., city government, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence show that there are other valuable benefits of cloud computing, such as rolling out new applications more quickly, creating functionality that was difficult or impossible to achieve before, and building a common platform to enable better information sharing.

Modernization

Cloud comparison

This table compares the three models officials have when building their IT portfolios: A fee-based public cloud; a shared cost, government-only private cloud; or the traditional buy and manage your own.

Modernization

Cyberattacks could have been mitigated

Agency responses to cyberattacks on U.S. government sites demonstrate a need for better coordination between agency security officials and the companies that provide Internet services, experts say.

Cybersecurity

Alexander: Military cybersecurity requires broader training

The man expected to head the new military cyber command says military cybersecurity efforts require broader-based training and improved support mechanisms for the military services, while also preserving civil liberties.

Cybersecurity

Official: Gates still considering cyber command

A new Defense Department cyber command would not lead to a military takeover of cyberspace, says Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn.