Modernization

Legacy systems O&M still dominates FY17 IT spending

As agencies work to modernize and free up budget for innovation, more than 70 percent of federal IT dollars go to keeping existing systems running.

Acquisition

Zabel leaves DISA for Air Force acquisition post

The Air Force major general had been vice director since mid-2015.

Cybersecurity

Congress wants oversight of DOD cyber ops

Legislators have introduced a bill requiring the Pentagon to provide details of sensitive military cyber weapons and cyber operations.

Modernization

Lawmaker Asks: Can Smartphones Help the Unbanked?

Regulations and lack of infrastructure could get in the way, financial technology experts said.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Want Notice when Pentagon Uses Cyber Weapons

The proposed law would also require congressional notification when DOD gets legal clearance to use a cyber weapon.

Emerging Tech

New Facebook Feature Lets Users Contact Elected Officials Directly Through Posts

It’s part of the social media giant’s efforts to connected people to government representatives.

Digital Government

After Tough Audits, Library of Congress IT is on the Mend

One of the key parts to the turnaround was having the CIO report directly to her, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said.

Cybersecurity

Comey Says Russian Hackers Targeted 'Hundreds' of Election-Related Entities, and the Real Number 'Could Be More Than 1,000'

The widely publicized email phishing attack on the Democratic National Committee was just one of those.

People

Gowdy given oversight gavel

The Republican Steering Committee has selected Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) to be the next chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Cybersecurity

Library of Congress reports progress on IT security and modernization

CIO Bernard Barton told lawmakers that GAO recommendations are being put into practice.

Cybersecurity

Comey warns Russia will be back

While many questions remained unanswered after the testimony of former FBI Director James Comey, he made one point abundantly clear: Russia interfered in the 2016 election, and it will do so again.

Cybersecurity

U.S. faces challenges tracking cryptocurrencies

Improved IT systems, new training and updated legislation are needed to track the use of virtual currencies by ransomware crooks and terrorists, according to a U.S. official.

Modernization

Timeline, budget for VA health record switch in progress

VA Secretary David Shulkin told a Senate panel it could take up to six months before a plan is in place to acquire services from commercial electronic health record provider Cerner.

Modernization

In 5 Years, Machines That Talk to One Another Will Be the Internet’s Biggest Population

The internet today is driven by smartphones, tablets and personal computers. It won't always be that way.

Digital Government

As Comey Shows, Documenting Conversations With Your Boss Can Be Smart

Careful documentation of meetings via notes and memos is part of the FBI’s culture, but there are sound reasons for ordinary workers to at least consider doing the same when we talk to our bosses.

Ideas

MGT Act Looks Promising But...

Agencies should start thinking now about making the business case for change, performance metrics and how to transition from outdated technologies to new platforms.

Artificial Intelligence

If Google Teaches an AI to Draw, Will That Help It Think?

Humans made a huge cognitive leap when they first sketched figures onto rocks—now, computers are learning to do the same.