Cybersecurity
DHS authorized to hire up to 1,000 cybersecurity specialists
The department doesn't expect to hire that many, but the authorization will streamline recruitment efforts, said a department official.
Digital Government
Homeland Security kicks off final strategy dialogue
Comments and suggestions submitted through a Web portal will be incorporated into a report due to Congress by the end of the year.
Digital Government
DHS fails to justify funding for emergency network, stalling program
Department should develop a plan outlining an acquisition approach based on available technologies, realistic cost estimates and how it will reduce project risks, GAO says.
Ideas
TSA continues airport investments
Coinciding with the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Transportation Security Administration has filtered millions of fiscal 2009 funds to airport surveillance and cargo screening throughout the last month. On Friday, TSA announced two awards for enhanced airport surveillance at Dallas/Fort Worth and San Francisco international airports.
Cybersecurity
NIST releases more development standards for smart electric grid
Requirements focus on cybersecurity and interoperability issues to improve technical capabilities, energy management and data exchange.
Digital Government
IRS continues to pay millions to process paper tax returns
Agency should invest in scanning technology to convert documents to an electronic format, and mandate e-filing by tax preparers, IG reports.
Digital Government
Immigration service revamps Web site to offer more interactive tools
Portal provides status updates for foreigners applying for citizenship and immigration services.
Digital Government
IG: TSA employees are well-informed on privacy issues
Automated tools would help the agency better protect personal information stored on computers, IG reports.
Digital Government
IRS pays millions in interest for delays in processing high-dollar refunds
Inspector general finds the agency has been slow in following recommendations that could reduce the $63 million in interest paid on refunds that exceed $10 million each.
Digital Government
Agents crippled by tech deployment delays along Southwest border
Border Patrol must rely on old, unreliable equipment to protect crossings and reduce illegal immigration.
Ideas
LOC Highlights Uses of Digital Library
Once again, the Library of Congress demonstrates how federal government should not only utilize information technology, but also market the initiatives to actually encourage support and adoption. Tuesday the largest library in the world, which currently touts nearly 142 million items in its collections, demonstrated to 100 guests -- many from academia -- the potential of its World Digital Library in education.
Digital Government
IRS nearly resolves one security threat, receives incomplete on others
Encryption installed on most laptops, but vulnerabilities exist in the system used to manage income tax returns, the agency's inspector general finds.
Cybersecurity
Systems wide open because agencies fail to fix common security holes
Most cyberattacks target vulnerabilities in applications and Web sites, but agencies routinely fail to protect themselves properly, report concludes.
Ideas
States Can Access Defense Network
Local authorities rejoice: Select regional fusion centers that collect and share regional information on terrorist threats and activities will soon have access to sensitive terrorism-related data housed in the Defense Department's classified network.
Cybersecurity
Outlook dim for international cooperation to fight cyber attacks
Cybersecurity specialists say Russians 'not interested' in working together and less-developed nations do no have the experience in tracking down Internet criminals.
Ideas
More Recovery Funds for Airport Security
The Homeland Security Department will infuse airports with $35.4 million in recovery funds to enhance security, bringing the total amount of recovery dollars dedicated to screening and explosives detection technology to $1 billion.
Cybersecurity
Government works toward a more proactive cybersecurity approach
Detection of intruders is an incremental step in prevention of cyberattacks, Homeland Security official says.
Digital Government
Program to track citizen border crossings exceeds expectations
New system speeds security checks for travelers at land and sea ports, DHS official says.
Ideas