People
Indie CIOs fall under FITARA's scope
A spending bill provision expands CIO budget authority to independent agencies, but whether or how agencies will actually change their operations is an open question.
Digital Government
Hill watchdogs warn on shortcomings in VA's claims system
The Veterans Benefits Management System has improved responses to compensation claims, but government watchdogs are questioning the VA's claims of improvement, as well as overall agency management.
Cybersecurity
The hidden cybersecurity risk for federal contractors
Firms could face friendly fire under the False Claims Act.
Cybersecurity
IG: Human traffickers exploit data gaps at DHS
Ineffective data gathering and sharing between ICE and USCIS aid human traffickers, an IG report says.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon wraps up classified study of enterprise cyber defense
Pentagon officials have completed a classified assessment of the effectiveness of enterprise cybersecurity tools at defense agencies, and the assessors are sharing lessons with the military services.
Modernization
GSA seeks to create governmentwide cloud portfolio
The Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies wants to explore the feasibility of creating a program that would help agencies transition to cloud computing technologies and services.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon Investigators to Probe NSA’s Crackdown on Rogue IT Employees
Be it a rogue contractor or an unknowing employee with sloppy login and logoff habits, insiders are a major threat to U.S. secrets, say researchers and federal officials.
Digital Government
The Cunning Way Hackers Break So-Called Unbreakable Encryption
If you’re a cryptographer, patterns are your enemy. But if you’re a cryptanalyst—someone who’s trying to break the code—they’re your friend.
Digital Government
Why NIH Wants to Change Incentives for Researchers
NIH is building a virtual space called “the Commons,” where researchers can share data, software and other virtual tools.
Emerging Tech
Video: This Drone Can Teach You How to Code
Learn two tech skills for the price of one.
Cybersecurity
In Most Hacks, ‘the Common Denominator' is People
The latest and greatest technology means absolutely nothing if your workforce isn’t properly trained and competent regarding the Internet.
Digital Government
The monumental IT opportunity of the 2020 census
The Census Bureau faces some significant challenges, but recent technology advancements can make its job much easier.
People
White House joins Snapchat
The most social media-savvy U.S. president in history joined video messenger app Snapchat, but is not yet down with Peach.
Digital Government
David Bowie Wasn’t Just an Incredible Artist, but a Tech Visionary Too
Ziggy Stardust owned an Internet startup worth hundreds of millions of dollars in the dotcom-boom days.
Digital Government
This Solar-Powered Box Uses Human Odor to Lure and Kill Mosquitos
An estimated 3.2 billion, almost half of the world’s population, are at risk of contracting Malaria.
Cybersecurity
Exclusive: What DHS and the FBI learned from the OPM breach
"Convenience and accessibility has been prioritized over critical security practices," at OPM, according to a Dec. 23 alert distributed to cleared contractors by the Defense Security Service on behalf of DHS and the FBI.
Digital Government
State steps up counter-terrorism digital initiatives
The State Department announced a director to lead the new Global Engagement Center, which will help allies using social media campaigns in countering terrorist group messaging.
Acquisition
House panel to move on IT, workforce measures
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform plans to mark up new legislation on IT security, personnel and contracting.
Digital Government