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.
Modernization
How GSA does oversight on EIS
With a March deadline looming, GSA is checking on how agencies are moving ahead with their telecom transition plans.
Digital Government
Unclear NSA CIO Role Puts the Agency’s IT at Risk, IG Says
Auditors report the position is not even in the agency’s organizational chart.
Cybersecurity
Another Poor Cybersecurity Audit at State Department Draws Scrutiny
Auditors have been reporting weaknesses in IT security controls for over a decade.
People
How to speed up Senate confirmation
Confirmation for political appointees has lagged, and the Partnership for Public Service has some ideas for picking up the pace.
Digital Government
GAO Calls Out IRS’ Taxpayer Experience Issues
The 2019 tax filing season was more problematic than usual for IRS.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon Must Focus on Reliability When Buying Weapons Systems, Auditor Says
The Government Accountability Office report holds implications for cybersecurity considerations in procurement processes.
Modernization
EPA Could Save Taxpayers Thousands of Dollars Through Stronger Oversight of Mobile Phones
The agency “missed an opportunity” to better use $12,000 spent over two years on unnecessary voice and data services, watchdog finds.
Acquisition