Cybersecurity

State Department uses biometrics for computer access

An official says more than half of the 45,000 users of the department's unclassified network now use smart cards that contain biometrics to log onto that network.

Digital Government

What government data do you want to see?

Two open-government groups are asking the public what information it most wants the government to make more available and accessible online.

Cybersecurity

Obama starts review of cybersecurity programs

President Barack Obama has ordered an immediate review of the government's cybersecurity plan, programs and activities.

Cybersecurity

Biden urges cooperation on cybersecurity

Vice President Joe Biden urged cooperation with European allies on cybersecurity during his first major foreign policy speech since becoming vice president.

Cybersecurity

DHS wants cybersecurity sources

The Homeland Security Department wants to learn about industry's technical capabilities for supporting DHS' National Cyber Security Division.

Modernization

Stimulus bills excite IT community

The $900 billion economic stimulus package moving through Congress includes as much as $100 billion in IT initiatives and infrastructure investments – more than the federal government spent on all of its IT needs last year.

People

DHS turns to old model for R&D

Research centers can help with technology acquisitions, but they raise ethics concerns.

Cybersecurity

Bill aims to prevent over-classification

The House has passed a measure with information technology components that's designed to improve information sharing by preventing the Homeland Security Department from over-classifying data.

Cybersecurity

House again passes traveler redress bill

The House has again passed a measure that would require enhanced redress processes for passengers misidentified by databases or terrorist watch lists.

Modernization

GPO's new content system advances

The Government Printing Office's new content repository system has more than 150,000 documents and will soon replace GPO's current system.

Digital Government

Stimulus bill has $250m for fusion centers

The Senate measure would upgrade state and local information-sharing centers.

Modernization

Stimulus bills have millions for State's IT

The House and Senate versions of bills designed to stimulate the economy would provide hundreds of millions for the State Department's information technology programs, but the Senate measure would provide much more.

Cybersecurity

Bill would change security clearance process

House members have introduced legislation that would require reporting on governmentwide adjudication and investigation standards for the security clearance process.

Cybersecurity

DNI releases new information-sharing policy

The outgoing Director of National Intelligence recently directed intelligence agencies to share their intelligence and analyses by integrating IT systems.

People

Opening the info doors

Access to government information is about to get much easier, if the new president's early actions are any indication.

Cybersecurity

Intell agencies getting new architecture

The country’s intelligence agencies are getting a new information technology architecture that will allow analysts to quickly access data, improve electronic communication, and facilitate collaboration.

Cybersecurity

Napolitano directs review of DHS' cybersecurity efforts

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has called for a review of the department's cybersecurity efforts as part of a wide-ranging review of DHS' programs and strategies.

Modernization

DNI nominee lists cybersecurity as priority

Dennis Blair, President Barack Obama's nominee to be the country's top intelligence official, said protecting networks is a priority.

Cybersecurity

Napolitano orders review of DHS' intelligence-sharing

Janet Napolitano, the Homeland Security Department's new secretary, has ordered officials to review and evaluate how the department shares intelligence with nonfederal authorities.

People

Obama memo mentions CTO

President Barack Obama directed future chief technology officer to work with the heads of the Office and Management and Budget and the General Services Administration to develop recommendations for an open government directive.