Author Archive
Sara Friedman is a reporter/producer for GCN, covering cloud, cybersecurity and a wide range of other public-sector IT topics.
Before joining GCN, Friedman was a reporter for Gambling Compliance, where she covered state issues related to casinos, lotteries and fantasy sports. She has also written for Communications Daily and Washington Internet Daily on state telecom and cloud computing. Friedman is a graduate of Ithaca College, where she studied journalism, politics and international communications.
Friedman can be contacted at sfriedman@gcn.com or follow her on Twitter @SaraEFriedman.
Click here for previous articles by Friedman.
Cybersecurity
HHS expects ATO for blockchain acquisition solution this month
The Department of Health and Human Services is making a big push to have the first blockchain-based program in the federal government with authority to operate certification.
Modernization
Cloud migration made easy
As OMB readies its Cloud Smart strategy, a key government executive shares four keys to successful cloud migrations.
Modernization
Election system threats not as severe as 2016, says DHS official
Election system security issues are still critical, but 2018 election infrastructure threats aren't as "robust" as in 2016, a top official told Congress.
Modernization
OMB drafts new 'Cloud Smart' strategy
The Office of Management and Budget expects to release new guidance to help agencies move to the cloud.
Digital Government
Senate Dems look to shore up voting security
The Protecting Americans Votes and Elections Act sponsored by six Senate Democrats looks to digital ballot uncertainty by requiring paper ballots for all federal elections.
Cybersecurity
How a terrorist's iPhone became the 'poster child' for the FBI's encryption challenge
According to an oversight report, a senior FBI official became concerned that techies in the bureau were slow-walking a plan to crack the iPhone of the San Bernardino shooter in the hope of obtaining a favorable court verdict.
Digital Government
Congress requires mobile-friendly websites
The Connected Government Act requires all new or redesigned federal websites to scale to mobile screens.
Modernization
GSA looks to staff up IT modernization teams
Solicitation covers start-up staffing needs for five separate Centers of Excellence to "manage centralized, function-specific talent, solutions and acquisition vehicles."
Digital Government
Federal website performance continues to lag
Federal websites continue to slip on performance metrics related to page-load speed, mobile friendliness, security and accessibility, an ITIF report finds.
Modernization
Classified cloud now an option for federal agencies
Amazon Web Services' new AWS Secret Region promises security that meets secret classification requirements.
Modernization
GSA wants feedback on cloud contract language
A recent RFI seeks examples of effective and problematic contract language as well as suggestions on how to incorporate cloud services into different contract vehicles for direct solicitations, resellers and system integrators.
Featured eBooks
Modernization
FedRAMP launches streamlined approvals for low-impact services
FedRAMP Tailored aims to get applications to agencies in as little as four weeks and reduce the burden on cloud providers.
Modernization
Better standards, more sharing seen as keys to cloud adoption
A broad-based group of federal officials are working together to develop new tools for cloud acquisition and innovation.
Digital Government
Election officials: 'We are going to need more assistance'
At the Election Assistance Committee's latest meeting, officials warn of "enlightening and frightening" planning exercises and a need for additional funding.
Modernization
FedRAMP tweaks programs to speed authorizations
A new web form for FedRAMP Forward will ease submission of business cases for priority authorization, and proposed requirements for the FedRAMP Tailored baseline are out for public comment.
Digital Government