Cybersecurity

CISA Releases Guide to Help Safeguard K-12 Schools from Cyber Threats

CISA’s report, which was mandated by the K-12 Cybersecurity Act of 2021, outlined a variety of steps that primary and secondary schools can take to bolster their cyber defenses.

Emerging Tech

DOD Plan Would Make Space Command Global Operator of Satellite Networks

The Pentagon is seeking to modernize its satellite communications capabilities by, in part, outlining some of the responsibilities of its agencies and commands.

Cybersecurity

Majority of GAO's Cyber Recommendations Since 2010 Have Gone Unresolved

A new watchdog report found that the White House needs to do more to improve cybersecurity practices across federal agencies, including issuing a more holistic national cybersecurity strategy.

Cybersecurity

Monitoring and Funding Concerns Could Undermine DOD’s Secure Unclassified Network, IG Says

A report from DOD’s Office of Inspector General said that a lack of secure funding for the system places mission-critical activities “at risk of termination due to non-compliance with cybersecurity requirements.”

Emerging Tech

NTIA Announces Request for Comment on Intersection of Data and Civil Rights

The head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration said the agency’s inquiry “will help us analyze the outsized consequences that data practices can have on marginalized communities.”

Digital Government

Election Assistance Commission Appoints New Director With Security-Focused Background

Steven Frid, who currently serves as the security director at the Education Department’s Federal Student Aid office, will begin his role at the Election Assistance Commission on Jan. 30.

Modernization

Air Force Can Do More to Advance Its JADC2 Contribution, Watchdog Says

The Government Accountability Office said that “more needs to be done” to develop plans for the Air Force’s component of the militarywide tactical network.

People

Lawmakers propose a federal reserve corps for digital talent

The bipartisan legislation seeks to address the government’s tech and cyber needs by enabling industry professionals to bring their skills and experience to the federal level.

Modernization

Asylum-Seekers Can Now Schedule Entry Appointments in Advance via CBP Mobile App

Customs and Border Protection’s mobile application, launched in October 2020 to streamline access to customs services, now includes a function for migrants to schedule appointments at select U.S. ports of entry.

Policy

White House Sets Definition for Open Science to ‘Galvanize’ Federal Efforts

The Biden administration announced a number of initiatives to improve open science policies in 2023, including advancing efforts to make taxpayer-funded research publicly accessible.

Policy

Lawmakers Propose a Federal Reserve Corps for Digital Talent

The bipartisan legislation seeks to address the government’s tech and cyber needs by enabling industry professionals to bring their skills and experience to the federal level.

Digital Government

NIH’s Governmentwide IT Acquisition Center Appoints Permanent Director

Brian Goodger, who has served as acting director of the National Institutes of Health Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center since 2021, will now helm the center in a permanent capacity.

Policy

VA’s Initiative to Recruit Laid Off Tech Workers is Paying Off, Official Says

The VA’s ongoing efforts to recruit high-skilled professionals displaced by layoffs across the tech sector are helping to fill a host of tech-related vacancies in the department.

Modernization

Governments View Open Source as Critical for Enhancing Digital Services, Experts Say

The U.S. government is “still in the process of organizing and coordinating” its own strategy around the use of open source software, according to a CISA official.

Cybersecurity

Interior’s Cyber Practices Allow for Easily Crackable Passwords, Watchdog Finds

An OIG investigation found that the Interior Department has not fully implemented multifactor authentication and that its “outdated and ineffective” password requirements leave employees’ accounts vulnerable to exploitation.

Cybersecurity

FCC Rule Would Require Telecom Providers to Immediately Disclose Sensitive Data Breaches

The Federal Communications Commission’s proposed rule would require telecommunications providers to immediately notify consumers and federal agencies about any breaches involving “customer proprietary network information.”

Policy

FTC Proposes Ban on Noncompetes, Which Agency Says Stifle Innovation

Opponents of noncompetes have long argued that the agreements have a harmful impact on competition, particularly on the tech sector’s ability to develop cutting-edge devices and services.

Emerging Tech

FDA Set to Issue Final Rule Classifying VR Therapy Device for Pain Relief

The FDA said the class II designation for AppliedVR’s virtual reality medical device for the treatment of chronic lower back pain will “enhance patients’ access to beneficial innovation.”

Digital Government

Biden Renominates Sohn to Serve as 5th FCC Commissioner

The president’s choice to double down on Gigi Sohn’s appointment to the Federal Communications Commission comes after her previous nomination stalled in the Senate for over a year. 

Emerging Tech

DHS Tech Office Develops a Portable Gunshot Detection System

The new gunfire detection tool can be deployed in temporary locations and is designed to reduce instances of false positives.