People

New handhelds keep Census on paperless track

Census takers will use about 1,400 of the new mobile computers in this spring’s address-collection dress rehearsal.

People

FirstGov gets chatty

The popular government information Web portal has unveiled an online chat to provide users with live assistance from GSA representatives.

People

DHS publishes final rules on smart credentials

The department will begin enrolling some port workers in March, but says more testing is needed on card reader technology.

People

Thomas search engine gets a tune up

In the beta version now online, users can search the entire database -- including the Congressional Record, committee reports and treaties -- in a single search bar.

People

Gardner to become National Weather Service CIO

His first priority will be security measures, said Adrian Gardner, who was deputy associate CIO for cybersecurity at the Energy Department.

Digital Government

Software raises hopes of finding sunken ship

Modeling and simulation software from Applied Science Associates could help locate the USS Bonhomme Richard, which sank in the North Sea in 1779.

Cybersecurity

IG flags Commerce security problems

The department must improve its handling of sensitive data and revisit key systems previously certified as secure, according to the inspector general.

Modernization

Military, agencies to phish their workers

The government-sanctioned attacks will test how well federal workers know their agency's e-mail security policies.

Digital Government

Former feds protest agency defunding provision

Research and competitiveness advocate labels the bill “a non-starter."

People

DHS clarifies its controversial MATRIX pilot

Report attributes MATRIX's demise to a lack privacy safeguards at its first launch, which led to a loss of public trust and funding.

Cybersecurity

Security relies on policy, HUD CIO says

The biggest problem with securing personally identifiable information is knowing where the information is going and who's accountable for it, CIO Lisa Schlosser said.

Cybersecurity

GPO makes millionth e-passport

The passports contain controversial RFID tags that contain a document holder's personal information and can be scanned remotely.

Digital Government

Former feds decry cuts to Tech Administration

By getting rid of the Technology Administration, “we are in effect disarming the United States [while] every other country is making innovation...one of their top priority issues,” one official said.

People

DHS wants software for purchase card training

The department is looking for commercial software for delivering training through its portal and for tracking the results.

People

DHS taps Aviel Systems for services contracts

The contracts for work with the department's Office of Procurement Operations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement divisions are worth $4.1 million.

People

FBI system to check gun buyers misfires

The National Instant Criminal Background Check System crashed several times earlier this week.

Modernization

Copy protection can sometimes be bypassed

The Copyright Office has ruled on six exemptions to digital copyright protection.

Cybersecurity

GAO: Create policies for testing IT security

Government Accountability Office chides federal agencies for failing to write policies that require periodic IT security testing.

Cybersecurity

Image spam: Not a pretty picture

This variant on traditional spam, which can evade common anti-spam solutions, is on the rise and causing problems, according to government and industry security experts.

Digital Government

Advisory Committee faces major hurdles with Section 508 revision

Interoperability and emerging technologies challenge policy-makers, and some say the language of the provision is out of date.