Digital Government

FAA partners with 3 companies to test real-world UAS uses

Agency also unveils the B4UFLY app, which is designed to help novice users fly their drones safely and legally.

Cybersecurity

Guard, Reserve are X factors in cyber plans

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter wants the National Guard and Reserve to play a crucial role in building out the Pentagon's cyber force.

Digital Government

6 questions to ask before any big data migration

Resist the pressure to jump right in, and make sure there is clarity on these fundamental goals and scope.

Cybersecurity

UC Berkeley Students Swept Up in Administrative Office Hack

Education // Financial Services // California, United States

Cybersecurity

NIST director, Army training and connecting the grid

News and notes from around the federal IT community.

Modernization

Video: How to Take Sharper Photos With Your Smartphone

Quick tips to be a better smartphone photographer.

Emerging Tech

Committee Approves Plans for DHS Social Media Group

The group would assess the best ways to use social media before, during and after terrorist attacks or other emergencies.

Emerging Tech

SpaceX’s Mission Today Tested if it Can Protect Astronauts on its Spaceship

SpaceX has to prove it can get astronauts away from its rocket as fast as possible in the event of an emergency.

Modernization

How to Use Mobile Phone Data for Good Without Invading Anyone’s Privacy

Call-data records show the true nature of social networks and human movement.

Emerging Tech

CNN and FAA Team Up to Test Drones

The FAA is considering the technology that Amazon would use to deliver packages remotely.

People

Congress weighs in on DHS social media outreach

A House-passed bill approved May 6 by a Senate panel would expand the scope of Homeland Security's Social Media Working Group.

Digital Government

Senators look for answers on FOIA reform, Clinton emails

Legislation can accomplish only so much when up against "an instinct of secrecy," says Sen. Chuck Grassley.

Digital Government

OPM Gives Agencies Permission to Fast-Track Hiring of Digital Teams

Agencies will now have greater latitude to hire digital services experts on a temporary basis.

Cybersecurity

Navy's new cyber strategy prioritizes threats

U.S. Fleet Cyber Command's five-year plan aims to avoid a repeat of the 2013 Iranian hack of the Navy Marine Corps Intranet.

People

OPM carves out broad hiring exception for digital services

The move comes as OMB is pushing agencies to create in-house digital services teams akin to GSA's 18F and its own U.S. Digital Service.

Emerging Tech

By Infusing Government Services with Tech, Sweden Aims to Bolster Social Welfare and Democracy

Some of the most popular government apps are those that let citizens manage and monitor their personal benefits, such as Social Security, parental leave and sick days.

Cybersecurity

DHS/NASA device helps rescue four in Nepal

The life-saving tech will be on display at a May 7 event at the Virginia Task Force One Training Facility in Lorton, Va.

Digital Government

Lessons Learned from Australia's Chief Technology Officer

Australian government’s chief technology officer, John Sheridan, is a big proponent of taking small steps to achieve large, federal IT service goals.

Cybersecurity

Republicans May Offer Short-Term Extension of Patriot Act Surveillance

A standoff over overhauling the NSA’s surveillance authorities is getting wrapped up in a broader Senate fight about Iran, highway funding and an international trade deal.

Modernization

This Is What the Next Generation of Google Glass Could Look Like

In a patent awarded to Google today, the company outlined a curved display system for a head-mounted wearable computer.