Cybersecurity

Library of Congress reports progress on IT security and modernization

CIO Bernard Barton told lawmakers that GAO recommendations are being put into practice.

Cybersecurity

U.S. faces challenges tracking cryptocurrencies

Improved IT systems, new training and updated legislation are needed to track the use of virtual currencies by ransomware crooks and terrorists, according to a U.S. official.

Modernization

Timeline, budget for VA health record switch in progress

VA Secretary David Shulkin told a Senate panel it could take up to six months before a plan is in place to acquire services from commercial electronic health record provider Cerner.

Digital Government

Senators not sold on privatizing air traffic control

President Trump's plan to privatize air traffic control operations is getting a cool reception from senators on both sides of the aisle.

Cybersecurity

Spy powers overshadowed by Russia in Senate hearing

Officials testifying about the extension of a key surveillance program spent most of a Senate hearing dodging questions about President Trump.

Cybersecurity

FDIC dinged again for inadequate infosec

GAO finds that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation needs to improve its information security controls and do more to separate its financial systems from the rest of its network.

Cybersecurity

Trump's pick to head whistleblower office comes from group suing EPA

President Donald Trump's nominee to lead a whistleblower protection office comes from a legal group that is currently suing the EPA to access employees' encrypted communications.

Cybersecurity

Can government stop using Social Security numbers?

Agencies are having trouble reducing reliance on Social Security numbers as identifiers because of outdated systems, insufficient funding and lack of coordination from OMB.

Modernization

GSA chief: Central IT fund is a start, not a remedy

While President Trump's budget proposal includes a $228 million investment for a general IT modernization fund, the head of the agency overseeing the fund sees the initial investment as more of a proof of concept than a panacea.

Cybersecurity

CBP reports advances in biometrics

After years of searching and tech trials, Customs and Border Protection said it has found a way to make a biometric entry/exit system work with airlines and airports.

Modernization

GOP continues push to privatize air traffic control

Have the stars finally aligned behind a long-planned push to outsource air traffic control operations?

Cybersecurity

GAO: DHS coming up short on FITARA implementation

The Department of Homeland Security needs to strengthen and formalize CIO contract approval and evaluation procedures to fully comply with FITARA, according to a new report.

Modernization

Data center optimization savings falls short

Agencies are reporting far less than the estimated $4 billion in savings by consolidating data centers because of inconsistent reporting and incomplete strategic plans.

Modernization

GAO to Agencies: Get a Data Center Plan

A handful of agencies are doing the bulk of the government's consolidation and that's a problem, GAO said.

People

Do feds make too much money?

The Congressional Budget Office reported that federal employees are compensated more than their private sector counterparts, but watchdogs say challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled workers run deeper than pay.

Emerging Tech

GAO Lists Pros and Cons of Internet of Things for Congress

The agency examined the costs and benefits of the growing market, per a congressional request.

Modernization

MGT Act headed for House vote with slimmed-down CBO score

The revised IT modernization bill will cost $500 million to implement, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Digital Government

IGs say hiring freeze, budget cuts hurt oversight

Inspectors general report that the hiring freeze negatively affected their operations and raised concerns that proposed budget cuts could jeopardize their ability to conduct oversight.

Digital Government

As big deadline hits, lawmakers warn on long-term risks to Data Act

Agencies are due to report their first tranche of spending data under the Data Act on May 9, but lawmakers are framing the milestone date as a starting point.

Cybersecurity

Legislators call for more flexible cyber hiring and training

Three Democratic members of Congress want the government to look to private sector practices as a model for hiring and training the federal cybersecurity workforce