Cybersecurity

OMB, DHS outline data security best practices

A new paper lists 10 common mistakes agencies make in securing data and ways to fix them.

Cybersecurity

The new door openers

Defense Department officials used HSPD-12 smart cards in 10 trial runs to test their feasibility for providing improved building access security.

Cybersecurity

It's hand-holding time

Employees facing background checks will need reassurance and training to help them adjust to the new smart cards.

Cybersecurity

A new take on crowd control

Can virtual directories help managers impose order on unruly directories?

Cybersecurity

DOJ looks to replace Web security package

The department issued an RFI on a system that would replace its suite of commercial software.

Cybersecurity

VA to expand encryption to in-house removable storage

The decision follows a data breach at the department's medical center in Birmingham, Ala., that put millions of people's personal information at risk.

Cybersecurity

Agencies see smart-card value beyond HSPD-12

The challenge is how to use the cards and how to encourage agencies to collaborate on common goals, a DOT official says.

Cybersecurity

State codifies security language

Proposed contracting rule would standardize wording of vendors’ IT security obligations.

Cybersecurity

Unions riled by background checks

A GSA union says it will file an unfair labor practice complaint about HSPD-12 program.

Cybersecurity

Few breaches lead to identity theft, GAO finds

But when it happens, GAO recommends agencies use a risk-based notification standard to identify the incidents in which the potential for harm exists and the appropriate actions to take.

Cybersecurity

DOD IG: Failures in NetCents jeopardize classified info

Air Force users did a poor job of addressing IT security in task orders, the IG says.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers to DHS: Spend more on cybersecurity

Only 1 percent of the Science and Technology Directorate's funds are slated for cybersecurity R&D, but Undersecretary Jay Cohen promised to be more proactive.

Cybersecurity

White House council puts cybersecurity in focus

The White House Homeland Security Council is paying more attention than ever to computer security and may issue guidance from the presidential level later this year.

Cybersecurity

IG: Energy contractors mismanaging IT acquisitions

Contractors failed to oversee sensitive computer hardware because of inconsistent policies, the inspector general said.

Cybersecurity

Increase in cyberthreats spurs feds, industry

Executives forecast an increased demand in the security product market as federal officials discuss strategies to combat cybercrime.

Cybersecurity

State pushing for IT contractors to monitor security

Under a new requirement, IT contractors would be responsible for the security of systems that access the department's mission-related information.

Cybersecurity

Encryption BPAs are open to all

Contracts awarded under GSA’s SmartBuy signal better intergovernmental relations.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers grill DHS’ CIO

Homeland Security Department’s Charbo promises that better security is on its way.

Cybersecurity

Justice breaks 1-hour rule

Agency’s security officials will comply, but some say reporting rule is impractical.

Cybersecurity

DISA to tap Apriva for secure e-mail routing

Under the contract, the company would build an e-mail routing facility for a new generation of handheld devices certified for secret data and voice traffic.