Cybersecurity

CISA to release emergency TIC guidance for telework surge

The guidance will expire at the end of the year and will address capabilities such as email, networking, DNS, intrusion detection and data protection.

Modernization

HHS tech official warns feds, contractors on virtual meeting risks

As remote collaboration become the default, federal agencies are advising employees and users that video teleconferencing software, phone meetings and other tools are at increased risk.

Acquisition

DHS contractors subject to new COVID-19 screening procedures

The new restrictions come as federal agencies and industry grapple with how best to collaborate on projects under quarantines and social distancing guidelines designed to limit in-person gatherings.

Cybersecurity

CISA looks to industry for anti-troll tools

The agency is looking to bolster its technical capabilities to identify foreign propaganda online that targets specific audiences in the U.S.

Cybersecurity

CISA stress tests DHS telework capacity

Not every agency will be ready to flip the switch from F2F to WFH, according to experts and former officials.

Digital Government

WH budget shifts R&D focus to quantum, AI

The president's proposed budget seeks to double current U.S. investments in AI and quantum computing, but the administration has also been criticized for seeking drastic cuts in other research areas.

Cybersecurity

Spy law reauthorization postponed to avoid tough privacy votes

A markup to reauthorize the USA Freedom Act was pushed back indefinitely as members deal with the fallout of a new oversight report and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) prepares to introduce a number of proposed amendments.

Cybersecurity

Ransomware top of mind for DHS cyber chief

The director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said the organization has been “a little bit late to the game” recognizing the potential of ransomware to directly touch the lives of citizens, but that’s changing.

Cybersecurity

Congressman floats 'FITARA-like' scorecard to measure security clearance process

A significant reduction in the backlog of security clearance investigations over the past two years has contractors feeling more optimistic, but concerns about lengthy adjudications and reciprocity between federal agencies still linger.

Modernization

Report: FedRAMP must evolve to meet demand, emerging tech

A new report lays out where FedRAMP has gone wrong – and what can be done to fix it.

Digital Government

Why feds shouldn't fear GitHub

Agencies shouldn't be afraid to leverage open-source tools like GitHub during software development, a USCIS IT official said.

Cybersecurity

TSA to roll out strategic plan for insider threats next month

Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Patricia Cogswell said that as screening tech has improved, insider threats have become an increasingly attractive attack vector for bad actors.

People

IRS wants $300 million for IT modernization in 2021

The agency is planning IT modernization and security initiatives while also adding more than 100 new special agents focused on cybercrime and virtual currencies.

Digital Government

Gillibrand bill would create new data protection agency

The independent agency would be charged with coordinating federal policy on privacy, process complaints from consumers and launch investigations and audits. 

Cybersecurity

CISA leans into facilitator role in election security plan

A strategic plan for protecting the 2020 elections from foreign interference lays out a number of plans to support and empower other stakeholders from hacks, influence operations and other threats.

Cybersecurity

Budget request emphasizes cyber, network security efforts

The document provides a peek at how the administration would prioritize cybersecurity spending across DHS, Energy, Treasury and other departments.

Cybersecurity

Justice indicts four Chinese hackers for 2017 Equifax breach

The charges are the latest example of U.S. law enforcement going after China for hacking American companies.

Digital Government

Despite public concerns, facial recognition gets traction in Congress

While some legislators questioned the accuracy and bias found in some government systems, both Republicans and Democrats endorsed the broad thrust and goals of DHS' screening programs.

Cybersecurity

CISA "not well-positioned" to execute nationwide election security strategy in 2020

Resource constraints and a reorganization have prevented CISA from rolling out its election security plans for 2020, but states still give the agency high marks.

Modernization

New docs outline scope, security requirements for CIA enterprise cloud

The agency is looking to reap the flexibility and benefits of operating in a multicloud environment, supercharge its AI capabilities and implement new supply chain security measures.