Cybersecurity
Most Federal Agencies Wouldn’t Be Able to Bounce Back from a Sony Hack
60 percent of federal agencies lack contingency plans in the event of a cyber emergency.
Digital Government
Inside China’s Elaborate and Absurd Internet Propaganda Machine
Thousands of emails obtained from the Zhanggong propaganda department by a Chinese blogger offer a rare view into the mechanics of manipulating web conversation in China at its most local level.
Modernization
In 5 Years, Smart Fridges Will Outnumber Fitness Trackers
Americans expect to first upgrade their thermostats and security systems, but look more than five years out, and smart fridges will be the big winners.
Cybersecurity
48,000 Federal Employees Potentially Affected by Second Background Check Hack
OPM is alerting more than 48,000 federal employees their personal information may have been exposed following a breach at KeyPoint Government Solutions, which conducts background investigations of federal employees seeking security clearances.
Emerging Tech
Sneaky Impersonator Robots Are Taking Over the Web
A new report finds overall bot traffic dipped, but "bad robots" are on the rise.
Cybersecurity
What did Federal CIOs Learn about Cybersecurity in 2014?
After a tough year, agency CIOs say it’s time for new approaches to rooting out and responding to cyber incidents.
Cybersecurity
Report: Definition of ‘Privacy’ Evolving
In a new paper from Pew, experts warn that surveillance-free spaces are disappearing.
Modernization
Consumer Agency Goes After Phone Companies for Bogus Charges
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is demanding that Sprint refund consumers millions of dollars for unwanted charges.
Cybersecurity
Managing a cyber crime scene
By treating a cybersecurity breach like a crime investigation, federal IT leaders can ensure a speedy response and aid in prosecution.
Acquisition
USAID and Ebola protective gear: Contests go mainstream
Steve Kelman suggests that we could be at a tipping point when it comes to embracing the benefits of contest-based acquisition.
Modernization
NIST can help you measure the cloud
The "Cloud Computing Service Metrics Description" proposes objective standards for gauging the success of cloud services.
Digital Government
Sandia looks to open-source robot tech
The national lab is developing more energy-efficient motors to improve the endurance of legged robots used in disaster response.
Acquisition
DHS on Instagram, an app for the border and more
News and notes from around the federal IT community.
Cybersecurity
Sony Cancels Release of 'The Interview' Amid Sony Hack Fears
Hackers warned of 9/11-scale violence if the film's release was not canceled, according to multiple reports.
Modernization
With New Policy, DOD Components Won’t Need DISA to Buy Cloud Services
The new guidance overrides two previous memorandums that charged DISA with assessing the security of commercial cloud service offerings.
Emerging Tech
British Police Are Going Robocop
British bobbies may soon be ditching caps and tunics for a striking new digital look that includes a robotic exoskeleton and Google Glass.
Cybersecurity
Google: 2015 Will Be the 'Moment' to Reform NSA Spying
Despite a crushing defeat this year, the search giant is already preparing for 2015 to push surveillance reform in Congress.
Cybersecurity