Modernization

The Environmental Toll of a Netflix Binge

The data centers that support the Internet use a huge amount of energy.

Cybersecurity

Privacy Groups Blast Cyber-Sharing Included in Omnibus Spending Bill

Congress is about to take its biggest step yet to bolster cybersecurity, but many fear it could expand surveillance.

Digital Government

Microsoft Building New Version of Windows 10 to Appeal to Chinese Government

It’s easy to point to the joint venture as evidence of yet another U.S. tech firm cozying up to Beijing to access the massive market.

Digital Government

What's coming from FedRAMP, 18F and USAJobs

GSA's Phaedra Chrousos discussed a wide range of possible revamps at a recent gathering of contract professionals.

Digital Government

Secrecy Shuts Down a National-Security Debate

On Tuesday night, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio clashed over NSA surveillance—but they can’t tell the public what they’re arguing about.

Digital Government

FBI Director Says San Bernardino Shooters Didn’t Post Public Social Media Messages

The attackers sent messages, but they were private and couldn’t have been caught by intelligence.

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.