Digital Government

Addressing the Tech Talent Gap

Nextgov takes a look at recruiting, retaining and reskilling employees for hard-to-fill positions in IT and cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity

VA watchdog warns of security risks from undocumented PIV cards

A new report warns contracting officers at the Veterans Health Administration are failing to comply with agency and federal guidelines ensuring contractor personnel return personal identity verification (PIV) cards after employment.

Cybersecurity

CISA Starts Cataloging Bad Practices in Cybersecurity

The agency plans to keep updating the narrow list based on feedback from cybersecurity professionals.

Cybersecurity

White House Plans to Attribute the Microsoft Exchange Hack Soon

Microsoft has already attributed the broad-scale compromise of its on-premises mail servers to Chinese nation-state actors.

Ideas

Researchers: Users Shouldn't Be on the Hook for Data Security

In reality, we have almost no power over our data and who uses it for what, according to the study.

Cybersecurity

Federal job satisfaction continues to lag behind private sector

The annual 'Best Places to Work' report indicates that almost 60% of the federal workforce teleworked full-time during the peak lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cybersecurity

Lawmaker, Tech Companies Clash on Software Transparency Requirements

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has defined "critical software" in accordance with an executive order to institute procurement standards federal agencies must follow.    

Cybersecurity

U.S. Troops on Base Less Likely to Seek Extremist Content Than Americans in General, Study Finds

Service branches differ in their engagement with anti-Black extremism or anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, internet research firm says in upcoming report.

Cybersecurity

Hassan, Cornyn float bill to create new federal cybersecurity training programs

One part of the bill would create a pilot program to train vets to work in cybersecurity.

Ideas

Leveraging Encryption Keys to Better Secure the Federal Cloud 

In the same way we use a key to lock valuable assets in a safe deposit box, agencies can lock up encryption keys.

Cybersecurity

DOD Offering Defense Industrial Base a ‘Krystal Ball’ Into Adversary Insights

A pilot program is being run out of the Defense Department’s Cyber Crime Center, which is a key part of a strategy to secure the defense industrial base as the scope and severity of cyberattacks increase.

Digital Government

Pentagon May Be Underestimating IT Investment Risks, GAO Says

The Government Accountability Office evaluated 10 programs at a higher risk level than what was reported by DOD, according to a new report.

Cybersecurity

Bill Would Create Cyber Workforce Training Programs at CISA and VA

The two programs would look to increase the pool of cybersecurity experts for the public and private sectors, but with a focus on preparing trainees for federal jobs.

Cybersecurity

Small businesses ask Congress to focus CMMC on primes and DOD

Jonathan Williams, a partner at the Washington, D.C.-based law firm PilieroMazza, told lawmakers much of small businesses concerns could be assuaged if DOD and prime contractors shoulder the burden.

Cybersecurity

NIST defines 'critical software' under the cyber EO

The National Institute of Standards and Technology's new definition of "critical software" is foundational to new federal efforts to exert more control over the code supply chain.

Cybersecurity

Key Lawmaker Calls on Pentagon Leadership to Act on Cyber Certification Program

Members of the House Small Business Committee heard complaints of poor communication and coordination from the department on implementation of a controversial third-party auditing process.

Cybersecurity

Coast Guard confronts harassment and retaliation in the ranks

The U.S. Coast Guard wants to build out its cyber workforce, but will have to contend with budget restraints and culture issues surrounding sexual harassment and retaliation.