Cybersecurity
OPM gets cyber hiring nod, DISA moves on classified mobile and more
News and notes from around the federal IT community.
Modernization
How DISA is helping to connect FirstNet
The Pentagon's tech support agency has been helping a startup government effort build a nationwide broadband communications network for first responders.
Digital Government
Can the Pentagon connect with the Internet of Things?
Experts say DOD cannot capitalize on the Internet of Things until a common language for the countless and far-flung devices on defense networks emerges.
Emerging Tech
Review of IronKey W700: A Portable Computer on a Stick for Security-Minded Agencies
It wasn’t too long ago key drives were seen only as a danger to the security of federal networks. Not anymore.
Cybersecurity
OPM Hunting for Second New Cyber Official Since the Big Hack
The position marks the second new OPM information security role created since the agency disclosed the breach in June.
Modernization
DOD Official on 'Internet of Things' Security: 'We Have to Drive Out Passwords'
A military version of the Internet of Things needs to be far more robust against cyberattacks than its commercial counterpart.
Emerging Tech
Commerce Department Launches Data 'Startup'
The agency plans to recruit more than a dozen software engineers and data scientists.
People
Cobert nominated to head OPM
President Obama nominated Beth Cobert, who has served as the Office of Personnel Management’s acting director since she took over for Katherine Archuleta in July, to serve as OPM’s full director.
Digital Government
For the future to work, tech needs to bare all
Open-source systems and open windows onto those systems will be the keys to a future in which citizens trust and engage with Internet-connected devices everywhere.
Digital Government
The Science of Human Behavior Is Reshaping the US Government
Although behavioral insights are commonly used by companies in the private sector, introducing them into the federal government can be very difficult.
Ideas
The 5 Key Traits of a Successful Digital Government Strategy
No government organization will succeed in today’s fast-changing environment without a cohesive digital strategy.
Cybersecurity
Apple CEO on Encryption: 'Any Back Door is a Back Door for Everyone'
Apple advocates for encryption that not even it can break.
Digital Government
VA Names New IT Security Chief
VA official Brian Burns is stepping into the CISO role.
Digital Government
VA's troubled IT is a campaign trail topic
Technology issues don't play a prominent role in the presidential campaign, but some Democratic candidates are exploring one key issue in their Veterans Day messages.
Digital Government
Commerce launches data start-up, SEA names interim leader and more
News and notes from around the federal IT community.
Modernization
GSA mulls new cloud acquisition vehicle
The General Services Administration wants to home in on the needs of federal cloud customers as it considers replacing soon-to-expire blanket purchase agreements.
Digital Government
18F's Micropurchasing Dilemma: Is $1 for Code Too Cheap?
For the past few weeks, GSA's tech team 18F has been running a "reverse-auction" for code.
Cybersecurity
You Only Need One Password to Access the Allegedly Hacked Law Enforcement Databases
Users can access a number of homeland security and law enforcement databases from a single website with a single password.
Modernization