Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity budget request is smaller, but adequate, says DHS official
Overall decrease is 4 percent, but budget funds programs aimed at improving prevention and response to cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity
Delays prompt White House to propose deep cut in secure border initiative
Homeland Security proposes 28 percent decrease, enough to complete the project's first phase and require progress reports to be filed before spending large amounts.
Cybersecurity
Report: Critical infrastructure is a frequent target for cyberattacks
Global security and IT executives point to the United States as a model of computer security, but say it also is among the most vulnerable to intrusions.
Ideas
Web Site Advocates Open Source
Open source software vendor Red Hat launched a Web site on Monday to "explore what happens when the open source way is applied to the world" through five channels: business, education, government, law and life.
Digital Government
Public satisfaction with federal Web sites increased in 2009
Obama administration should use positive feedback to determine effectiveness of transparency efforts, says research group.
Ideas
GSA Launches IT blog
Following in the footsteps of many other federal agencies, including the <a href=http://www.dhs.gov/journal/theblog/>Homeland Security Department</a>, <a href=http://healthit.hhs.gov/blog/onc/>Health and Human Services</a>, and <a href=http://armylive.dodlive.mil/>the Army</a>, the General Services Administration launched a blog on Friday that will focus on trends in information technology procurement.
Cybersecurity
NIST releases update to smart grid standards
Framework will include options for incorporating legacy technology already in use.
Digital Government
Defense more likely than civilian agencies to use social networking tools
Department employees rely on the collaborative tools to communicate internally, but are less likely to use them to reach out to the public, a survey found.
Digital Government
More cyberattacks likely from group that took down Chinese search engine
The hack could be a peek at an ongoing cyberwar in which terrorists and governments find network weaknesses and gauge reaction to build cyberattack playbooks, says a security professional.
Modernization
Federal IT spending to increase almost 4 percent in fiscal 2010
Agencies will spend more on transparency initiatives and social networking, research firm predicts.
Digital Government
IT improvements big part of Obama's call for better security
More technologies to screen passengers, better management of terrorist databases and integrated networks to encourage sharing of information among president's order.
Ideas
Spy Handbook for Kids
Most have probably heard of classics like <i>Charlotte's Web</i>, <i>James and the Giant Peach</i> and the whole Judy Blume library, but how about a children's how-to book on becoming a spy?
Modernization
Critical Calls
Getting first responders on the same wavelength requires common standards.
Cybersecurity
Energy set to form new group to protect electric grid from cyberattacks
Department will have to wield strong regulatory and budgetary powers to force the changes needed to successfully secure networks from hackers, security specialists say.
Modernization
Web application gives air travelers chance to rate airport security procedures
The Transportation Security Administration, which has not endorsed the real-time survey, has not responded to an offer to receive the polling results.
Digital Government
Obama orders review of screening technology, watch list system
In the wake of an attempted in-air terrorist attack on Christmas Day, the president ordered the Homeland Security Department on Tuesday to lead a review of aviation screening technology and report results to the White House by Thursday.
Ideas
TSA: Overly Reliant on Technology?
Anyone who has watched the news during the past few days has heard extensive commentary about how a terrorist managed to board a plane with explosives on Christmas Day. Some blame inefficient management of the watch lists, others blame lax security procedures. But one commentator who spoke during a local NBC affiliate broadcast gave the most backwards rationale of all: over reliance on technology.
Ideas
Howard Schmidt: What They Say
Last night, the White House <a href=http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1209/122109j2.htm?oref=todaysnews>officially confirmed</a> that Howard Schmidt, the former cyber adviser in the Bush administration, would be appointed to the much anticipated position of cyber coordinator. Since then, the comments have been flowing in. Below is just a taste of how the cybersecurity community is reacting to the pick.
Cybersecurity
Obama set to name cyber coordinator
White House confirms appointment of ex-Bush administration official Howard Schmidt, assures "regular access to the president."
Cybersecurity