Cybersecurity

DHS proposes permanent status for biometrics-based traveler program

The Homeland Security Department wants to expand a program that uses biometrics to verify identity and speed processing times for airline passengers.

Digital Government

FAA identifies computer error that caused delays

A software problem that caused flight delays across the country today was not the first serious hiccup Federal Aviation Administration computer systems have suffered in recent years.

Modernization

Industry would get hit in cyber war, report says

Privately owned critical infrastructure likely to be targeted in a cyber war between nations, a report says.

Modernization

Bill would make P2P software a no-no for fed systems

Popular, commercially available file-sharing programs would be generally banned from federal systems under a bill proposed in the House.

Cybersecurity

3 basic steps to thwart most cyberattacks, courtesy of NSA

Three key practices can help systems withstand about 80 percent of commonly-known attack mechanisms, according to an estimate from the National Security Agency.

People

Justice needs better IT approach to gang intell, IG says

Two Justice Department centers for coordinating gang-related information haven't made much difference in crime-fighting.

Cybersecurity

Is it time for a national data breach notification law?

Lawmakers are again considering legislation that would create federal requirements for notifying people when their personal data is compromised.

Cybersecurity

Is a legislative fix in FISMA's future?

Agencies can improve cybersecurity without an overhaul of the Federal Information Security Management Act by using continuous and targeted monitoring of systems, some experts say.

Cybersecurity

DHS considers contracts for collecting disaster-related imagery

The Homeland Security Department wants information from industry on collecting images to be used in a system to help with disaster response and recovery.

Cybersecurity

FBI pushes back completion date for Sentinel file system

The FBI plans to complete the development of its new electronic case management system in September 2010, months later than previously planned, according to the Justice Department's inspector general.

Modernization

NARA admits violating internal policy on personal info

NARA's policy required it to destroy hard drives, but in some cases agency personnel returned them to vendors instead, official says.

Cybersecurity

Current 'Whac-A-Mole' cybersecurity approach not a winner, DHS official says

Bruce McConnell, counselor to DHS' top cybersecurity official, said more personnel, better user authentication, security metrics, and automated responses are needed to make systems more secure.

Digital Government

America seeks science collaboration with Muslim communities

Three scientists will work to expand collaboration in science and technologies between the United States and Muslim communities.

Cybersecurity

New cybersecurity role for NIST?

NIST would be responsible for developing a plan to coordinate the government's work with international organizations developing cybersecurity standards under a bill approved by the House Science and Technology’s Innovation Subcommittee.

Cybersecurity

Seaports need more safeguards against bio/chem weapons

U.S. Customs and Border Protection should issue guidance for inspecting cargo arriving in U.S. seaports for biological and chemical threats, the department's inspector general said.

Cybersecurity

TechAmerica: Appoint cybersecurity coordinator now

The technology trade association TechAmerica wants President Barack Obama to make good on his promise to appoint a cybersecurity coordinator.

Cybersecurity

Collins opposes White House cyber czar

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she opposes putting a cybersecurity coordinator in the White House.

Digital Government

What does Twitter mean for foreign policy?

Experts say new media poses great opportunities for activists and some questions for governments.

Cybersecurity

Lieberman outlines plan for cybersecurity legislation

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) today detailed his goals for comprehensive cybersecurity legislation he plans to introduce.

Cybersecurity

DHS to open new cybersecurity center

The Homeland Security Department will open a new cybersecurity coordination center near Washington on Friday.