Cybersecurity

CISA Orders Federal Agencies to Turn Off SolarWinds Products 

A critical flaw in software used throughout government was reportedly used to breach a major security company and at least two federal agencies.

Cybersecurity

Reports: Suspected Russian Hackers Breach Commerce, Treasury Departments 

U.S. officials are investigating what data may have been stolen and whether the hack is more widespread.

Cybersecurity

Presidential Advisers Make the Case for a New Cybersecurity Center for Sharing Threats

Current federal efforts to help mitigate threats against privately operated critical infrastructure fall short, according to a National Infrastructure Advisory Council report.

Cybersecurity

What DOD’s Cyber Certification Program Reveals About Info-Sharing Challenges

As the new regime takes effect, the tech industry’s lead trade association would rather higher level certifications be done by the department than independent third parties.

Digital Government

Tech Trade Group: IT Modernization Investment May Increase Under Biden

The group expects the Biden administration to expand IT modernization efforts, in part to respond to COVID-19.

Ideas

5 Ways to Improve Emergency Preparedness for Next Time

A permanent team that is focused solely on national preparation and ensuring that the relevant federal agencies are all on the same page should coordinate all five of these components.

Artificial Intelligence

Homeland Security’s Small Business Program Will Focus on Viruses, Security and Networks in 2021

The Small Business Innovation Research program identified 12 tentative topics as priorities for the coming year.

Cybersecurity

Tech Association Wants Biden Team to Focus on Public-Sector Supply Chain Security 

A Biden administration might require even more of private-sector entities than President Trump has on the issue. 

Emerging Tech

Pentagon Expanding 5G Efforts, DOD Official Says

The Pentagon will also be releasing guidance on securing the microelectronics supply chain, according to Defense Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord.

Cybersecurity

Government Reduces Representation Burdens for Supply Chain Rule Banning Some Chinese Equipment 

Contractors continue to question inconsistent language and push for the need for more clarity around Section 889 Part B.

Cybersecurity

DOD Official Confident in Cybersecurity Certification Body’s Business Model

The volunteer group taking on the Pentagon’s new system of contractor audits has taken out lines of credit, the official said.

Cybersecurity

Industry Groups Spar Over NDAA Provisions on Sourcing of Electronics from China   

Dueling letters to lawmakers support and oppose language requiring the department to phase out the procurement of some basic technology from adversarial nations.

Cybersecurity

FCC Advances Order on Interagency Security Reviews of Foreign Applications

The effort tries to strike a balance between the desire to capitalize on foreign investments and managing threats from adversaries like China.

Emerging Tech

DOD Pours Millions of Dollars into Print-on-Demand Drugs

Four years after DARPA sought a better way to bring medicine to the battlefield, the technology may assuage broader concerns about foreign supply chains.

Cybersecurity

Industry Groups Ask Lawmakers to Remove Core Cybersecurity Provisions from NDAA 

The trade associations for various government contractors are also opposing a range of oversight proposals in the annual defense bill, including ones aimed at enhancing procurement value and reducing unfair labor practices.

Cybersecurity

FERC Asks Energy Sector to Report Huawei, ZTE Usage

Amid fears over having to replace equipment, Energy official noted no set timeline for implementing next steps on a related executive order.

Cybersecurity

Comments on Government Supply Chain Rule Push for Better Definitions and More Time

Industry groups and other comments highlight the difficulty of complying with a provision of last year’s defense authorization act that requires the removal of products from companies including Huawei and ZTE. 

Digital Government

GSA Provides Some Clarity on Section 889 Implementation

The General Services Administration emphasized the importance of outreach but declined to address questions around confusing language in Section 889.

Cybersecurity

FCC Estimates Replacing Chinese Telecom Equipment Will Cost at Least $1.6 Billion

A key lawmaker echoed calls from the agency’s chairman for Congress to appropriate the money.