Modernization

Cheating on IT certification exams reportedly on the rise

According to a survey of 200 IT professionals, 72 percent of respondents think colleagues use unauthorized exams from the Internet to prepare for certifications.

Digital Government

Did Army use mind control on lawmakers?

In Nov. 2009, a special arm of the Army that specializes in psychological operations was assessing how U.S. propaganda was being accepted in enemy territory. Three months later, it was ordered to use the same mind games on Americans, according to a new report.

People

New federal deputy CTO chosen

Former San Francisco CIO named U.S. Deputy CTO for Government Innovation in Executive Office of the President.

Modernization

Agencies must determine computer security teams in face of potential federal shutdown

The number of essential IT staff members needed during a government shutdown would be much larger than in the monthlong furlough of 1995. Then, the focus was not on guarding the nation's systems against a cyberattack.

Digital Government

House amendment would sack Obama's czars

An amendment rolled into a 2011 spending bill would eliminate President Barack Obama's so-called "czars" in nine offices.

People

Federal employees would face firings for delinquent taxes

Sens. Tom Coburn and Claire McCaskill have reintroduced a bill that goes after federal employees who are tax deadbeats.

Modernization

SSA data center nearing 'catastrophic failure'

Tangled telecommunications and electrical cables underneath the data center floor, an out-dated HVAC system, clogged pipes and an antiquated uninterruptible power system -- the SSA's National Computer Center is teetering on thin ice.

Modernization

Air Force reverses course on WikiLeaks guidance for military families

Air Force Public Affairs pulled the plug on its statement that family members of Air Force employees accessing WikiLeaks on a home computer may be subject to prosecution for espionage.

Digital Government

House panel proposes steep funding cuts for agencies

The House Appropriations Committee has mapped out its spending blueprint, including proposing double-digit cuts for some federal agencies.

Modernization

Cybersecurity bill is first of several to target federal IT

Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled a new bill armed with weaponry to safeguard government IT.

People

GSA's acquisition center reorganizing for new year

Among other changes, Ed O’Hare, assistant commissioner for Integrated Technology Services, is retiring January 15 and will be replaced by Mary Davie.

People

NORAD follows Santa's trip with new apps

For the 55th year, the North American Aerospace Defense Command continues its tradition of tracking Santa Claus as he makes his way through the world delivering gifts. This year NORAD taps Twitter, Facebook, Google Maps and mobile technology as its little helpers.

Modernization

Federal IT funds for R&D misused, group says

A report released today by an advisory panel says only a fraction of the estimated $4 billion federal agencies get for IT research and development actually goes for those purposes.

Cybersecurity

Gawker hack may put government workers at risk

Government employees who accessed the popular Gawker websites from work may want to take precautions in the wake of the hack attack, according to a report.

People

Telework bill becomes law

Obama has signed the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 into law, which will allow eligible federal workers to telecommute.

People

DOD discourages using acronyms

DOD Executive Secretary Michael Bruhn paints a picture of ambiguity, misuse and abuse when it comes to acronym use in Defense Department correspondence.

People

Amazon to stop hosting WikiLeaks

Amazon has agreed to stop hosting the WikiLeaks site, which reveals classified and sensitive information.