Digital Government

VA health record go-live pushed back to July

The Department of Veterans Affairs is delaying a planned initial deployment of its $16 billion electronic health record project by four months, but is promising added functionality at the go-live date.

Cybersecurity

TRANSCOM head says contractors struggle with advanced persistent threats

The lead general for TRANSCOM threw support behind the Defense Department's impending unified cybersecurity standard for contractors, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, as contractors struggle with advanced persistent threats.

Digital Government

Data Center Issue Prompts GAO to Revert Redesigned Website Back to an Old Version

The new site’s host company, Contegix, is still working to resolve the technical difficulties, a GAO official said.

Cybersecurity

Government-Run Energy Company Keeps Reeling in the Same Employees in Phishing Training

The Tennessee Valley Authority has a good initial phishing training program in place but lacks real consequences for those that fail.

People

Oversight chair reignites probe into controversial Trump aide

Security clearance concerns are raised after Trump rehires ousted aide for key personnel job

Cybersecurity

Despite improvement, Thrift Board infosec needs work

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board still has not "fully developed and implemented an effective, organization-wide information security program."

Modernization

AWS looks to expand record in JEDI lawsuit

A recent filing also takes a hard look at the timing of Defense Secretary Mark Esper's recusal in the case.

Cybersecurity

Congressman floats 'FITARA-like' scorecard to measure security clearance process

A significant reduction in the backlog of security clearance investigations over the past two years has contractors feeling more optimistic, but concerns about lengthy adjudications and reciprocity between federal agencies still linger.

Cybersecurity

Schumer to TSA: Delete your (TikTok) account

The Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security, TSA's parent agency, have already banned the video-sharing app from federally owned devices, citing risks associated with TikTok's Chinese ownership.

Digital Government

One Month Out, Watchdog Warns About Census IT and Cybersecurity Challenges

The Census Bureau this month switched the internet response system that respondents will use to complete the 2020 census questionnaire. The last-minute change worries the Government Accountability Office.

Cybersecurity

Coming Cyber Commission Report Loaded with 75 Ways to Improve Security—Plus the Bill Proposals

Key lawmaker highlighted recommendations focused on Congressional reform and a new type of information sharing.

Modernization

VA looks to boost health record spend to modernize infrastructure

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an 82% increase in 2021 spending on the massive electronic health record modernization as part of a move to increase the tempo of the project, account for infrastructure gaps and implement a scheduling solution.

Cybersecurity

CISA "not well-positioned" to execute nationwide election security strategy in 2020

Resource constraints and a reorganization have prevented CISA from rolling out its election security plans for 2020, but states still give the agency high marks.

Digital Government

Obama team couldn't cope with Russian election meddling, report says

The administration did not view cyber activities by Russia as part of a larger overall campaign and limited information-sharing efforts in ways that inhibited a more cohesive response.

Cybersecurity

FBI still not pushing for encryption legislation

FBI Director Christopher Wray declined to say whether he would endorse legislation that would create a pathway for law enforcement to access encrypted apps and devices.

Cybersecurity

GAO to DHS: Assess How Agencies Implement Cyber Directives

An audit says the Department of Homeland Security needs to do more to ensure agencies carry out binding directives it issues.

Cybersecurity

CISA touts CDM, CyberStat as key cyber compliance tools

A watchdog report found DHS doesn't always validate whether agencies are complying with mandatory directives. The department floated plans to leverage two existing program to do just that.

People

Key agencies still lack confirmed watchdogs

Expert says lack of confirmation sends message that inspectors general are undervalued, ineffective

People

At hearing, IGs look to curb reprisals against whistleblowers

The Trump impeachment and trial put whistleblowers in the public eye, but behind the headlines, officials say, agency whistleblowers are subject to reprisal.

Digital Government

Agency Officials Are Increasingly Retaliating Against Whistleblowers With Impunity, IG Says

Lawmakers and advocates say Trump's attacks on the whistleblower that kicked off his impeachment will have long-lasting negative effects.