Modernization

White House sends cyber deterrence policy to Congress

Lawmakers have long asked for such a policy, but the debate is likely only getting started now that they have one.

Cybersecurity

DHS cybersecurity office appeals to industry for innovation

DHS looks for industry to help keep up cyber defense programs like Einstein and CDM.

Digital Government

Micheline Casey heads west

Micheline Casey, the Federal Reserve's first chief data officer, is returning to her private-sector roots in Silicon Valley.

Cybersecurity

More collaboration with tech companies needed to counter Islamic State online

The State Department is continuing its efforts to undermine the Islamic State online, now that militants prefer to use private and sometimes encrypted communications rather than public-facing social media.

Cybersecurity

Defense chief used personal email for official business

The revelation raises questions about the security of information handled by Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and revives concerns about email security practices in the Obama administration.

Cybersecurity

Info-sharing bill's advance is a landmark for DHS

The inclusion of cybersecurity information-sharing legislation in an omnibus package is a milestone in the Department of Homeland Security's evolving collaboration with the private sector on cyber.

Emerging Tech

Internet of Things Should be Part of Congressional Debate on Encryption, Lawmaker Says

Legislators have been debating whether encrypted communication could allow terrorists to skirt surveillance.

Cybersecurity

$1.1 Trillion Spending Package Extends ID Protection for Hacked Feds to a Decade

Right now, OPM is only providing a year of financial safeguards to 4.2 million current and former federal employees whose Social Security numbers were compromised

Digital Government

New Playbook Examines Dos and Don’ts for Federal Innovation

Agencies should navigate the innovation process like an hourglass: start big with plenty of people pitching various ideas.

Digital Government

FITARA: Progress at the 1-Year Mark

Barely a year old, the Federal Information Technology and Acquisition Reform Act is changing how agencies and their chief information officers procure, manage and operate technology.

Digital Government

US Considers Using Portable DNA Labs, Iris Scans to Vet Syrian Refugees

The U.S. government is considering a handful of new technologies to strengthen and potentially hasten the screening of Syrian refugees.

People

Ashkan Soltani to join White House tech team

The former Federal Trade Commission chief technologist and Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist will be advising federal CTO Megan Smith.

Emerging Tech

18F Is Using a Chatbot Named After Mrs. Landingham from 'The West Wing'

The Slack bot is designed to send messages and reminders to new hires with information about forms, discussions, and the ever-present government jargon.

Digital Government

If You Can’t Stay Off Your Phone Before Bed, These Gadgets Will Make Sure Your Sleep Isn’t Ruined

With growing awareness of blue light’s ill effects, more companies are now catering to health-conscious consumers with products that reduce their exposure to these wavelengths.

Digital Government

What Everybody Googled in 2015

Not all of the weird stuff in your browser history is unique.

Digital Government

Ted Cruz Is Right: NSA Reform Bill Allows More Spying

With terrorism fears running high, Cruz and Rubio traded shots over government surveillance.

Digital Government

Congress grants the National Labs a FITARA exemption in omnibus

The $1.1 trillion spending bill includes a FITARA carve-out for the National Labs, some key appropriations for IT improvements and cybersecurity, and lumps of coal for a few problematic programs.

Acquisition

Embracing failing grades and moving forward

After an abysmal performance on the FITARA scorecard, some CIOs are owning their terrible grades and focusing on how to make improvements.

Ideas

6 Steps to Improve an Agency’s Cyber Defenses

Here are several security actions agency and command leadership can take to harden their cyber defensive posture.