Modernization

'Rip and replace' strategy for U.S. bulk power systems

Department of Energy officials say they plan to use a recent executive order to tear out foreign-made parts and components if they believe they pose a national security or economic risk.

Cybersecurity

NSA's cyber wing looks to safeguard COVID research and expand outreach

The spy agency's deputy director said its new cyber directorate is focused on protecting vaccine research from hackers and supporting activities that help get Americans back to work.

Cybersecurity

Karen Evans to be next DHS CIO

Evans will replace John Zangardi, who left in late last year to take a position with Leidos.

Cybersecurity

Privacy report outlines scope, limitations of ICE facial recognition

According to a recently released privacy assessment, Immigration and Customs Enforcement systems are linked to a network of image databases across the country, and future trainings are being eyed to combat abuse and misuse.

Cybersecurity

CDC, IRS and other federal sites spoofed in global phishing scams

New research from Proofpoint has identified numerous phishing email campaigns over the past two months, some of which impersonated and spoofed websites from federal agencies, international governments and public health organizations involved in COVID-19 relief.

Digital Government

$3T COVID relief bill includes tech money and restructures health acquisition

The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, proposed by House Democrats, calls for far more than additional stimulus checks and emergency funding for state and local governments. FCW breaks down the provisions.

Cybersecurity

How COVID-19 is changing the game on ransomware

More money is needed to tackle the problem, especially as states deal with an unprecedented economic crisis caused by the pandemic. It's unclear whether Congress will foot the bill.

Modernization

Trump wants foreign gear out of the U.S. grid

An executive order issued by the Trump administration May 1 declared a national emergency and imposes new restrictions on the purchase and use of foreign-made equipment and technology used in the U.S. bulk-power system.

Cybersecurity

Amid telework boom, CISA reminds agencies of DNS resolution requirements

The memo notes that CISA will begin issuing reports to agencies highlighting DNS traffic anomalies and could issue a follow up directive as new protections come online.

Cybersecurity

Solarium boosters pivot to acknowledge pandemic parallels

Members of the Solarium Commission are retooling their pitch to focus on recommendations that draw parallels to the current coronavirus crisis.

Modernization

Opening up DOD's AI black box

As algorithms and other AI tools become more prominent to military operations, researchers are studying better ways to visualize and communicate their decision-making.

Digital Government

Lawmakers push for answers on SBA data leak

Despite a glitch that made headlines, the Small Business Administration had planned in advance to build tech tools to support legislative mandates for emergency business loans.

Cybersecurity

Solarium co-chair pushes defense bill as vehicle for implementation

Even with the coronavirus outbreak dominating policymakers' attention, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) said he was "pretty optimistic" that as much as 30% of the recommendations can be included in the upcoming defense authorization bill.

Cybersecurity

Feds disrupt hundreds of COVID-19 scammer domains

The Department of Justice said some of the domains represented themselves as U.S. government agencies or public health organizations.

Modernization

House Majority Leader backs remote voting

Downplaying security concerns, Rep. Steny Hoyer said conducting House business through video teleconference software was his "clear preference" to ensure continuity of Congress during the COVID-19 crisis.

Cybersecurity

The federal government's identity crisis

For decades, PIV and CAC cards have been the primary tools for agencies and contractors to verify the identity of employees and contractors. The COVID-19 outbreak could change that.

Cybersecurity

House Dems seek $400 million to help states deal with cyber threats during COVID-19

The request for new funding comes as state and local governments face an spike in ransomware attacks.

Digital Government

Agencies look to digital financial outlets to disburse relief funds

As IRS and the Small Business Administration tap digital-only financial firms to assist in relief funding, concerns are emerging about cybersecurity vulnerabilities and fraud.

Digital Government

Pelosi continues to resist calls for remote voting

While the Speaker of the House said there are constitutional and security concerns with letting members vote virtually, she has moved to loosen other rules around in-person legislating.

Cybersecurity

CISA looks to help secure federal telework

New guidance allows teleworking feds to connect and access agency and cloud resources from their homes while staying in compliance with the Trusted Internet Connection program.