Cybersecurity

USCIS cancels furloughs

The planned furloughs of more than 13,000 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employees set for Aug. 30 have been called off, the agency announced today.

Podcasts

Critical Update: Why a Government Vulnerability Disclosure Program Is a Big Deal

The new policy could change the government’s relationship with hackers but some agencies have reservations.  

Modernization

Right-Wing Extremism and Islamic Extremism Spreads Online In Similar Ways, New Study Says

Those crazy memes you keep seeing? Hate groups are using them to attract online recruits into small, intense groups — and beat Facebook’s censors.

Cybersecurity

CISA Warns of Vulnerabilities in Popular Domain Name System Software 

Security advisories note attackers could remotely exploit flaws to cause a denial of service.

Cybersecurity

DARPA's new hardware proves tough to crack

The Defense Department's advanced research arm has early results from its effort to prove that re-engineering hardware makes for fewer cyber vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity

FAA to test anti-drone technologies

The Federal Aviation Administration will test commercial drone detection and mitigation systems in real-world civilian airport settings.

Ideas

Sketchy Darknet Websites Are Taking Advantage of the COVID-19 Pandemic – Buyer Beware

Using these darknet markets is risky business.

Cybersecurity

How zero trust solves the 'weakest link' problem

Many government agencies currently have components of zero trust already in their infrastructure, including identity credential and access management and continuous monitoring, so moving to a comprehensive zero trust model would just strengthen what is already there.

Cybersecurity

The President’s Cup Cybersecurity Competition Is Underway

The competition is open to any federal employee, including the Department of Defense and uniformed service members.

Cybersecurity

Voice phishing attacks on the rise, CISA, FBI warn

An industry alert warns of an increasingly sophisticated social engineering campaign since July that is targeting VPNs and teleworkers.

Cybersecurity

For Election Administrators, Death Threats Have Become Part of the Job

In a polarized society, the bureaucrats who operate the machinery of democracy are taking flak from all sides. More than 20 have resigned or retired since March 1, thinning their ranks at a time when they are most needed.

Cybersecurity

GAO rejects bid by DHS to rescind opinion on illegal appointments

The Government Accountability Office is sticking to its guns on its legal opinion that states that top officials at the Department Homeland Security were elevated in violation of federal law.

Modernization

7 of 10 Agencies Respond to Senator’s Request for IT Modernization Plans

Sen. Maggie Hassan asked for updates on the government’s 10 legacy systems previously flagged as most in need of an update.

Ideas

Why CMMC Could Be Our Best Weapon to Fight Back Against Chinese IP Theft

The newfound penchant toward action is an opportunity to raise the bar for cybersecurity and better secure American IP.

Cybersecurity

Tracking Robocalls Debunks Myths and Clears Up Mysteries

Researchers found that answering a robocall doesn't doom you to more.

Cybersecurity

Pentagon Acquisition Chief Clarifies Temporary Extension for Implementing Chinese Equipment Ban

A recent memo allows vendors additional time to comply with Section 889 for certain low-risk goods, but the department is not seeking mass extensions, Ellen Lord told reporters.

Policy

What the Post Office Needs to Survive a Pandemic Election

Fueled by the president’s unfounded claims about rampant voter fraud, and reports of equipment being removed, the plight of the United States Postal Service has captured America’s attention. Will it collapse? Here’s what you need to know.

Emerging Tech

Small, DIU-Approved Drones to be Made Available for Agencies to Purchase 

The systems are deemed secure after months of development and testing.

Cybersecurity

CISA infrastructure chief Brian Harrell resigns

The assistant director, charged with helping to protect critical infrastructure from physical and cyber threats, will be returning to the private sector, the agency confirmed.

Modernization

The Pandemic is Pushing the Pentagon Toward Classified Telework

The Defense Information Systems Agency and the U.S. Air Force are expanding their classified remote work capabilities.