Author Archive
Cybersecurity
Interior faces 'disturbing' cyber risks due to cracked passwords and vulnerable assets
Recent reports reveal the Department of Interior is not enforcing multifactor authentication for its high-value assets and has a range of other significant cybersecurity risks.
Cybersecurity
Ransomware gang exploits critical vulnerability in popular file transfer software
A cybersecurity advisory issued Wednesday said that a major ransomware group had successfully exploited a previously unknown vulnerability in Progress Software’s MOVEit software.
Cybersecurity
Public sector apps face widespread security challenges, report reveals
A new study found alarming security vulnerabilities across the vast majority of public applications over the last year.
People
NIST unveils new leadership team to drive semiconductor innovation
The agency’s CHIPS Research and Development Office aims to advance U.S. research and development efforts and "ensure America’s global leadership" in the semiconductor sector, officials said.
Digital Government
DHS spearheads effort to develop next-gen emergency response vehicle
Officials held up the H2Rescue as an example of sustainable, emerging technologies that can be developed and deployed by leveraging interagency and public-private partnerships.
Digital Government
NASA puts error data to use to speed up tsunami detection
The nation’s space agency is leveraging emerging technologies that could potentially provide up to an hour of advance notice of an incoming tsunami to coastal communities.
Cybersecurity
Federal vision to streamline cyber incident reporting expected this summer
The Cyber Incident Reporting Council will issue a report to Congress "in the next month or two" with recommendations on ways to achieve harmony across a complex network of federal cyber mandates.
IT Modernization
DHS faces slow disaster response burdened by legacy systems, officials warn
Officials told a Senate committee on Wednesday that the Department of Homeland Security had severely outdated information technology systems across various components.
People
NASA team’s plan to decode UFO sightings hinges on better data
The space agency is convening an independent panel to publish a report later this summer featuring best practices for data collection on unidentified anomalous phenomena.
Acquisition
Agencies launch initiative to better identify minority-owned contractors
The joint effort between the Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration aims to make it easier for federal procurement officials to connect with small, disadvantaged businesses across sectors.
Digital Government
FDA seeks industry support to develop standardized data ‘supersets’
The Food and Drug Administration is set to launch new pilot projects that aim to improve data interoperability and analysis across the public health community.
Defense
DOD aims to leverage AI and automation in records management
The Defense Department wants to harness the powers of emerging technology to reduce user burden and enhance enterprisewide records management processes, according to a plan the agency released this week.
IT Modernization
FCW Insider Chat: The top winners of the Fed100
The fifth and final episode of the FCW Insider Chat podcast highlights the work of the top three winners of this year’s Federal 100, the original and most prestigious awards program for the federal IT community.
Workforce
FBI and CIA combat cyber talent shortage with new hiring methods
Officials at the intelligence and law enforcement agencies say they’re facing the national cyber talent shortage head-on, from implementing a new approach to hiring top cyber talent to new training programs and incentives.
Cybersecurity
Ransomware vulnerability warning pilot yielding valuable lessons, CISA official says
A new interagency effort to proactively mitigate ransomware vulnerabilities has helped expand information sharing between the public and private sectors, according to a risk operations official from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
IT Modernization
Tech experts say federal government needs more AI leadership positions at agencies
Federal agencies are lacking critical points of contact for the government to coordinate on responsible oversight and use of artificial intelligence tools, experts said Tuesday.
Workforce
Lawmakers propose training program for federal officials on AI risks and rewards
The AI Leadership Training Act seeks to ensure that federal workforce leadership has the necessary skills and training to implement AI into their organizations.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers tell Biden they are ‘extremely concerned’ about critical vacant cyber role
The Office of the National Cyber Director has not had a Senate-confirmed director since former Director Chris Inglis left the post nearly three months ago, just prior to the release of the national cyber strategy.
Congress
Tech subcommittee chairwoman plans MGT Act rewrite
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) said at a hearing that the congressionally-mandated revolving fund for tech upgrades is "a tool that needs sharpening."
IT Modernization