Modernization

IRS system doesn’t meet all cloud security requirements, watchdog says

The tax agency did not meet requirements like malicious code protection and timely risk mitigation, the department's internal watchdog reported.

Cybersecurity

IRS System Doesn’t Meet All Cloud Security Requirements, Watchdog Says

Treasury’s Inspector General found the IRS did not meet requirements like malicious code protection and timely risk mitigation.

Modernization

IG: Social Security isn't moving fast enough on agile development

An Inspector General report published this month said the Social Security Administration is still struggling to mature its agile development processes and not yet transitioning away from costly outdated technology.

Artificial Intelligence

Lawmakers, DOD Officials Note Benefits of AI to Department’s Information Networks

During a hearing on securing the Defense Department’s information networks, senators and officials described how artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities could strengthen the department’s cyber resilience.

Digital Government

Senators Try Again to Advance Software License Bill

Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have brought back the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act with a few new changes after the proposal came up short last fall.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Need to Enhance VA’s Oversight of Oracle EHR Rollout or ‘Move On,’ Top Republican Says

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chair Mike Bost, R-Ill., said Republicans and Democrats in both chambers of Congress are largely aligned “on what we know we want to fix and the problems that we’re seeing” with the deployment of VA’s new EHR system.

Cybersecurity

Acting National Cyber Director Explains New Cybersecurity Strategy to Congress

Acting National Cyber Director Kemba Walden highlighted some the strategy's key elements in testimony Thursday.

Digital Government

IRS Taxpayer Advocate Says Congress Shortchanged IT Modernization Efforts

Lawmakers didn’t allocate the $80 billion provided to the IRS in the right way, claims National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins, adding that IT modernization and taxpayer services aren’t getting the money they need.

Digital Government

Treasury's System Tracking Federal Debt Still Needs Security Improvements, GAO Says

The watchdog found continued “information system control deficiencies,” despite Treasury’s progress on prior recommendations.

Cybersecurity

FDIC Fails to Establish Effective Controls to Secure Sensitive Data, Report Says

The agency tasked with supervising financial institutions nationwide is struggling to maintain effective information security measures, according to a new inspector general report.

Emerging Tech

CFPB Announces New Inquiry into Data Brokers

The financial regulatory agency wants to learn more about data brokers’ business operations, especially surrounding user experiences.

Emerging Tech

GAO Offers Quantum Guidance to Federal Agencies

As the federal government continues its push for mass post-quantum cryptography transitions, the Government Accountability Office offered fact-based summary and guidance.

Emerging Tech

Army Making Progress on Implementation of Online Real Estate Tool, IG Says

The U.S. Army is on track to deploy a new online application “to identify the existing inventory of space available” at select military installations as part of a pilot program.

Acquisition

NSF watchdog warns of 'other transaction' pitfalls as funding decisions loom

The National Science Foundation is poised to distribute billions in research and development funding via legislation designed to boost domestic production of computer chips.

Cybersecurity

State Should Evaluate Global Anti-Cybercrime Efforts, GAO Says

A watchdog report said the State Department should take the lead in determining the effectiveness of federal agencies’ partnerships with international allies to combat digital crimes.

Modernization

VA’s New EHR System ‘Continues to Burn Money,’ Top Republican Says

The U.S. comptroller general told members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee that VA has spent “over $1.7 billion dollars for failed predecessor electronic healthcare record systems” prior to the new Oracle Cerner EHR system.

Modernization

Watchdog: Agencies are Close to Clearing All Data Center Recommendations

The Government Accountability Office found that agencies have implemented a majority of its recommendations to optimize data centers, but have 16 remaining that would boost savings.

Ideas

All Presidents Avoid Reporters, But Biden May Achieve a Record in His Press Avoidance

Democracy demands accountability, but press conferences are risky business for presidents nowadays.

Defense

Pentagon didn't check risks before authorizing cloud services, watchdog finds

An audit conducted by the Defense Department’s inspector general found agency components “may be unaware of known vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks associated with operating their systems or storing their data.”

Digital Government

House Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Members, Assignments Announced

Virginia Democrat Gerry Connolly will serve as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology and Government Innovation.