Cybersecurity

DHS Cyber Chief Explains Issuing Emergency Directive During Shutdown

CISA Director Chris Krebs says “an urgent response was required” despite a large swath of the government shut down due to a lapse in appropriations.

Modernization

Marine Corps Wants Cost-Effective Ways to Migrate Apps to the Cloud

The service wants to make sure it actually saves money moving applications from on-prem data centers to the cloud.

Emerging Tech

Commission Wants to Know If China’s Smart Cities Are Smarter than Ours

The U.S.-China Commission wants to look at how Chinese smart cities development plans could affect U.S. economic and national security.

Cybersecurity

Agencies Have 10 Days to Review, Secure Critical IT Weakness

The Homeland Security Department’s cybersecurity office issued an emergency directive requiring agencies to secure their Domain Name System infrastructure.

Cybersecurity

Senators to WMATA: How Will You Keep Next-Gen Metro Cars Safe from Foreign Tampering?

Four D.C.-area lawmakers are asking WMATA leaders to take supply chain and cybersecurity issues into account when buying the next series of Metro cars.

Digital Government

DHS Pauses Most Contracting Deadlines Until After Shutdown Ends

The extensions only apply to seven department procurement offices and do not override existing posted amendments.

Emerging Tech

FAA Rule Would Let Drones Fly Over People and At Night Without a Waiver

The move would greatly open the use of small drones but at least one lawmaker is worried about the privacy of people on the ground.

Emerging Tech

Air Force’s CyberWorx Wants Partners To Help With Outreach, Tech Transfer

The innovation center is looking for partners to help in its efforts to “solve wicked operational problems.”

Emerging Tech

Amazon Shareholders Move to Stop Selling Facial Recognition Tech to Government Agencies

A group of shareholders filed a resolution to halt sales until they can consider the tech’s societal impact.

Cybersecurity

Researchers: Flaws In Vendor Security Software Could Leave Some Federal Buildings Vulnerable

Poor credential management could let bad actors enter secure buildings, lock doors and download or change federal employee and contractor data.

Digital Government

Work on Security Clearance Backlog Continues Through Shutdown

While OPM is closed, the National Background Investigations Bureau continues to chip away at its 600,000-case backlog.

Digital Government

Defense Acquisition Reform Panel Suggests Reevaluating Department CIO

The Section 809 Panel’s third report recommends big changes to how the Defense Department buys technology.

Digital Government

Shutdown Consequences: Could a Drop in Credit Score Lead to Loss of Security Clearance?

Financial experts say not to worry, but at least one lawmaker wants assurances from the White House.

Artificial Intelligence

HHS Contract Will Offer AI Tech, Support to All of Government

The new Intelligent Automation/Artificial Intelligence contract will be housed in Health and Human Services but available to any agency looking for AI solutions.

Modernization

Industry Says Not So Fast to OMB's Proposed Data Center Policy Changes

While only a few comments were submitted by deadline, most called for significant changes to the proposed metrics and overall intent of the draft Data Center Optimization Initiative.

Emerging Tech

Air Force Turns to GSA Pilot for DevOps Platform

The Air Force is using GSA’s Commercial Solutions Opening pilot program to speed through the acquisition process.

Digital Government

How Easy-to-Use Data Tools Unleash Employees

That’s what turns data analytics platforms into decision-making engines, a pair of government technology leaders said.

Emerging Tech

IRS Wants to Be a Testbed for Bleeding-Edge Tech

The new pilot would create a phased buying process with ample testing in IRS environments.