Cybersecurity
Outgoing Intelligence chairman warns of cyber vulnerabilities
Retiring Michigan Republican Mike Rogers’ valedictory is the latest in a series of dire warnings about the need to bolster cyber defenses.
Digital Government
Spending and defense bills head to White House
Procedural challenges in the Senate give way to final votes on both "must-pass" pieces of legislation.
Modernization
Power outage, disaster data, FedRAMP approval and more
News and notes from around the federal IT community.
Cybersecurity
Agencies Mold Regulations around ‘Voluntary’ Cyber Standards
Coast Guard, NHTSA and FDA are adapting the NIST framework for boat owners, car companies and medical device manufacturers.
Cybersecurity
Sands Casino Corporate Systems Eviscerated by Iranians
Entertainment // Nevada, United States
Cybersecurity
Ontario Government Website Tells Visitors: ‘U Can’t Touch This’
Government (Foreign) // Ontario, Canada
Digital Government
A Brief History of Militarized Lasers
The Navy recently mounted a laser cannon on a ship. It's been a long time coming.
Modernization
The Next 'Smart' Device Could Be Your Carry-On Suitcase
The Bluesmart carry-on can be connected to your phone via an app, available for iOS, Android and even smartwatches.
Digital Government
FITARA Analysis: Will CIOs Use Their New Powers for Good?
The fate of IT reform now lies almost squarely on the shoulders of agency chief information officers.
Cybersecurity
Hackers Pocket Patient Credit Cards, Loiter for Half a Decade at Payment Processor and Exploit BT
Just another week in ThreatWatch, our regularly updated index of noteworthy data breaches.
Modernization
DISA releases draft of new cloud security requirements
Comments from industry and others interested in the draft security requirements guide are due Dec. 29.
Cybersecurity
Why the Sony hack should scare feds
The attack on Sony marks an escalation that damaged a network and destroyed data. Experts say feds need to be watchful for similar assaults.
Acquisition
GAO: Contract systems falling short on small business pairings
Of the systems GAO studied, none was designed to connect small business subcontractors with prime contracts and none contains all the information needed to support that function.
Digital Government
Federal agencies must prepare for mobile payments
Now that all the major smartphone platforms offer mobile payment options, federal agencies need to join the trend
Digital Government
Clock runs out on FOIA update
Popular bill to encourage broader document publication was stalled in the Senate until this week; Boehner declines to schedule House vote.
Cybersecurity
Alaska Mental Health Facility Blamed for Hack of Sensitive Files
Healthcare and Public Health // Alaska, United States
Digital Government
Congress averts shutdown with 2-day funding bill
Longer-term funding still requires Senate approval, president's signature.
Cybersecurity
Congress Strengthens Homeland Security's Cyber Role with FISMA Reform, Other Bills
A 2002 computer protection law finally gets an upgrade.
People