Cybersecurity

Single Sign-in For Government Services Expands to States, Localities

The federal government is looking to partner with state and local governments to grow its Login.gov service, which it says is secure and user friendly.

Modernization

How One State Will Work With the Feds On a Major Tech Overhaul

Wisconsin has turned to a federal team of tech experts as the state seeks to revamp its antiquated unemployment computer system.

Modernization

For State's COVID Contact Tracing Apps, Privacy Tops Utility

More than 28 million people in the United States have downloaded the mobile apps or activated exposure notifications on their smartphones

Cybersecurity

America’s Drinking Water Is Surprisingly Easy to Poison

The experts say the sorts of rudimentary vulnerabilities revealed in the breach are common among America’s 151,000 public water systems.

Policy

Pandemic Drives Phone, Computer ‘Right-to-Repair’ Bills

The pandemic has made living without a computer harder than ever.

Emerging Tech

Police Departments Experiment With 70-Pound Robot Dog

Departments have deployed the cyber K-9s in hostage situations and as part of the covid response. Proponents say the robots can help keep officers out of harm's way, while critics worry how they could be used without clear policy guidelines in place.

Cybersecurity

Hackers Seized on the Pandemic. Some States Are Fighting Back.

Cyberattackers have forced states to take down websites, stolen $36 billion in unemployment payments and exposed millions of residents’ personal information to scammers.

Cybersecurity

Report: Mobile Phishing to Steal Government Credentials Increased 67% in 2020

State and local governments are more exposed than federal agencies in the new teleworking age, but threats have increased across the board.

Cybersecurity

CISA, DHS Bolster State and Local Cybersecurity Programs

CISA added another vendor to an intrusion detection plan and DHS increased the required cybersecurity spend for certain FEMA grants. 

Modernization

Lawmakers Call for Federal Program to Upgrade Unemployment Systems

Many people filing for unemployment during the pandemic have experienced long delays. Subpar technology is one of the factors commonly blamed for problems.

Cybersecurity

Despite Security Concerns, Online Voting Advances

Online voting is likely to become more popular as technology improves and as election officials seek ways to expand access to the ballot. But security experts warn of hacking threats.

Digital Government

Poll Finds Steep Drop in Satisfaction With Government in the U.S.

The Gallup survey results indicate people are unhappy with other aspects of American life as well, like the moral climate and the influence of corporations.

Policy

Biden Asks OSHA to Consider COVID-19 Workplace Safety Rules

A national order from OSHA would bring all states under the same rules, since even states with independent agencies must meet or exceed the federal standard.

Ideas

How the Biden Administration Can Restore Trust in Government

Governments can use technology to meet people where they are, serve people better in their real lives, and make successes visible to demonstrate the value of effective governing.

Modernization

Pro-bono technologists look to help cash-strapped states struggling with legacy systems

As COVID-19 exposed vulnerabilities in state and local government IT systems, the newly formed U.S. Digital Response stepped in to help.

Emerging Tech

A State Becomes the First to Suspend Facial Recognition Technology in Schools

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said there are “serious and legitimate privacy concerns” with the technology—but only prohibited its use until 2022.

Ideas

How the U.S. Can Fight the Opioid Epidemic During COVID-19

A majority of states—more than 40—have reported increases in opioid-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.

Ideas

Why It's Hard to Get People to Take COVID Seriously

It's difficult for public health agencies to raise the right amount of fear in people, an expert says.

Ideas

Tribes Mount Organized Responses to COVID-19, in Contrast to State and Federal Governments

Responding to the pandemic also means continuing to exercise sovereignty.