Digital Government

White House Wants Public Input on Improving Criminal Justice Data Collection

To enhance law enforcement agencies’ data collection and transparency efforts, the government is asking the public to “help us understand the data practices currently in use and those that should be prioritized.”

Cybersecurity

DOD IG: Officials Failed to Identify Security Risks When Authorizing Cloud Services

An audit conducted by the Defense Department’s inspector general found agency components “may be unaware of known vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks associated with operating their systems or storing their data.”

Digital Government

FTC Launches New Office of Technology for ‘In-House Skills’

The launch of the Federal Trade Commission’s tech-focused office comes as federal regulators have ramped up investigations into the practices of large technology companies.

Cybersecurity

Zero Trust Presents 'Doable' Cybersecurity Goals, State Department's CIO Says 

To shore up its cyber defenses, State is identifying potential vulnerabilities across its many disparate systems and working to boost its use of multifactor authentication.

Digital Government

VA Announces Winners of $20M Challenge to Prevent Veteran Suicides

The 10 winners of the VA’s Mission Daybreak challenge developed innovative solutions that leveraged technology, artificial intelligence and mobile apps to help reduce the number of veteran suicides.

Cybersecurity

Almost 60% of GAO's Privacy Recommendations Since 2010 Are Unresolved

A watchdog report found that federal agencies have only implemented approximately 41% of recommendations related to the protection and security of sensitive data as of December 2022.

Cybersecurity

Report: Pentagon Personnel Use Unauthorized, Unsafe Apps on Work Devices

The Defense Department’s inspector general found that unsanctioned apps downloaded onto government-issued mobile devices “could pose operational and cybersecurity risks to DOD information and information systems.”

Cybersecurity

Report Reveals How US Has 'Not Advanced the Ball' on Top Cyber Risks

The top cybersecurity risks of 2023 include a shortage of trained cyber professionals, international strife and continued vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure services, according to a new report from the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Modernization

Top Senator Says Modernizing VA’s EHR 'Is Not Optional'

After leading GOP lawmakers introduced legislation to terminate the deployment of VA’s new electronic health record program, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.—chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee—said upgrading the system “has to be done.”

Cybersecurity

Pentagon to Release New Cyber Workforce Strategy 'Any Day Now'

To address its workforce challenges, the Pentagon is undertaking new initiatives that will minimize education and certification requirements in favor of cyber knowledge and performance.

Cybersecurity

GAO's Critical Infrastructure Cyber Recommendations Go Largely Unaddressed

A new watchdog review found that federal agencies overseeing critical infrastructure have only implemented 43% of recommendations made since 2010.

Digital Government

VA Centers Talent Recruitment and Remote Work in Its Operations Revamp 

The agency’s chief people officer described efforts to attract high-skilled workers affected by layoffs across the tech sector and expand telework opportunities to modernize tech-centric operations.

Digital Government

NSA Bills Itself as a 'Soft Landing Place' for Laid off Tech Workers

The intelligence agency has been quietly moving over the past few months to recruit talented workers affected by the wave of layoffs at tech companies and startups.

Policy

US Cyber Diplomat Calls for Bolstering American Advantage in Global Tech Policy 

The head of the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy said that a more prominent U.S. focus on tech policy necessitates greater international engagement.

Emerging Tech

Lack of Emerging Tech Framework is 'Weakening' US Stance Against China, Lawmakers Warn

Both Democrats and Republicans said Congress needs to craft national frameworks around data privacy and autonomous vehicles to counter China’s global tech ambitions.

Modernization

House Republicans Seek to Mandate VA's EHR Program Improve or Face Termination

Leading GOP lawmakers on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee introduced legislation to expand oversight over the VA’s new electronic health record system and, if need be, to terminate the program.

Digital Government

DOD Needs to Expand Guidance on ‘Information Environment’ Training, Watchdog Says

The Pentagon’s education and training initiatives to help DOD leaders respond to threats in the contested information environment need to offer clear guidance on what topics to cover, according to a review by the Government Accountability Office.

Digital Government

VA is Working to Add New Features to its Health and Benefits App

The VA’s mobile phone app, which surpassed one million downloads last year, is rolling out new prescription refill and travel reimbursement services for veterans in the coming months.

Policy

GAO Identifies Fraud Risks in FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program

The FCC “may not be able to effectively prevent and detect fraud” in its program that offers low-income households discounts on internet services and connected devices, according to a review by the Government Accountability Office.

Policy

Senator Advocates a Transparency-Based Approach to Social Media Moderation

Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., said such transparency about government moderation requests “does seem to be the best move” for promoting free speech online.