Cybersecurity

ROI that's difficult to compute

ROI in new cryptographic technologies is difficult to calculate, which is why experts typically dodge questions about it.

Cybersecurity

Follow the data

The challenge is understanding the data and how it flows through an agency.

People

Forest Service to cut IT jobs

The agency's IT services group won a competitive sourcing deal with a plan that would cut 180 jobs.

Cybersecurity

NIST makes lists

A security checklists program for information technology products is on track for completion before the end of 2004.

People

Printer for the 21st century

The nation's printer looks for ways to reinvent his office

People

Study calls for records data improvement

The report says agency officials must do a better job of collecting performance data on systems that manage electronic records.

People

Forest Service workers win sourcing work

USDA officials plan to award a five-year, $295 million competitive sourcing contract to the Forest Service's information technology services group.

Modernization

GSA approves Entrust ID software

Entrust's GetAccess software handles identity verification, access control and authorization.

Cybersecurity

Seven of 24 meet security requirements

A recent audit found that 17 of the 24 largest federal agencies don't comply with a law requiring that they certify and accredit their systems' security.

Digital Government

Intelligence officials clamor for information sharing

Changing data-handling techniques within intelligence agencies will require new tools that allow analysts to share information.

Cybersecurity

FTC pushes e-mail standard

A sharp rise in phishing attacks has prompted FTC officials to call on tech industry leaders to adopt an authentication standard for e-mail.

Cybersecurity

The allure of keyless entry

Changes in attitudes, policies pave the way for alternatives to PKI.

Cybersecurity

Inspector general: DHS' cybersecurity efforts only partly successful

Many operational aspects remain unclear and incomplete, the inspector general says.

People

At last: IRS starts using modern database for returns

The tax agency is processing 1040EZ forms on a new central database system, marking the first time in 40 years that individual tax returns have been processed using modern technology.

People

Protest puts off IRS competitive sourcing deal

Union officials say the contract was for supporting mainframe operations at 10 campuses where the IRS has large data centers.

Cybersecurity

IRS auditors call for constraints on contractors' computer access

Investigators say some contractors blatantly circumvented IRS security policies and procedures.

People

GAO Web site redesign improves efficiency

It's an example of agencies' growing interest in improving online services.

People

Taxpayer advocate proposes free e-filing for everyone

The chief taxpayer advocate believes everyone should have access to free software online for filing returns.

People

Tax pros get more Web options

The IRS expanded its Web-based services for professional tax preparers to entice more of them to submit their returns online.

Cybersecurity

Seeking clarity on security

OMB reporting guidelines cause semantic disputes