Digital Government

Poor contractor oversight plagues virtual border fence project

Inspector general says Homeland Security has too few managers to properly check on the cost and progress of SBInet.

Digital Government

Skype tries to break Congress' ban

Skype is trying to speed work in Congress on ending a ban on peer-to-peer networking.

Cybersecurity

Trusted IDs face fearful response

The government's proposed identity ecosystem instills as much fear, uncertainty and doubt as hope for easier and more secure online transactions.

Modernization

Congress gets its head into the cloud

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s interest in cloud computing reflects a new awareness in Congress of the technology’s potential benefits.

Modernization

Data Mining

The public is wary about Internet tracking; mobile users feel safe; telecommuting views don't match reality.

Digital Government

Defense Continues Apps Pursuit

Counselors have begun to use apps to <a href=http://healthitupdate.nextgov.com/2010/06/honey_we_need_online_counseling.php>treat patients online</a>. Physicians are developing iPhone apps to <a href=http://healthitupdate.nextgov.com/2010/05/the_iphone_app_doc.php>treat conditions like vertigo</a>. So, it shouldn't be surprising that the Defense Department, which is embracing everything app, has an iPhone program to help treat stress, maybe even post traumatic stress syndrome.

Ideas

Census Handhelds 'So 2010'

With its 2010 decennial count well underway, the Census Bureau already is looking forward to the next challenge: planning for 2020. According to the bureau's head, the next count will incorporate more technology than what currently is being used.

People

OMB to review 20 financial system modernization projects

Obama administration officials said today they plan to freeze financial systems going through a modernization effort even if the projects are well managed to make sure they are in sync with a new policy of getting the systems launched faster and hitting the critical needs.

Digital Government

Cyber Command lays groundwork for rapid deployment of resources

Challenges facing the Cyber Command include getting up to speed, determining the definitions and roles in cyber defense, and streamlining acquisition processes.

Digital Government

Gen Y's Social Media Future

Social media tools will continue to play an integral role in the lives of Millennials, even as they get older, start families and take on more responsibilities, new research suggests.

Cybersecurity

DHS to take FISMA lead

The Office of Management and Budget and the White House Cybersecurity Coordinator have outlined for agencies the various cybersecurity responsibilities of the Homeland Security Department.

Digital Government

Top Chief Challenges

Establishing guidance and providing training to federal employees on new information technology systems and government 2.0 tools is one of the top challenges for agency chief executives, according to a new <a href="http://www.govexec.com/gbc/TheChiefs2010/">survey</a> by the Government Business Council.

Modernization

vGov for feds aims to be a more engaging online environment

The National Defense University's Paulette Robinson recently spoke with staff writer Alice Lipowicz about an interagency effort to create a secure online world known as Virtual Government where federal employees can collaborate on projects, learn new skills and participate in meetings from any location.

People

The new CTOs: entrepreneurs in residence

The need to keep up with the fast pace of new technology is prompting many agencies to assign chief technology officers as dedicated lookouts for online opportunities.

People

CTO resumes shine with entrepreneurial success stories

Many government chief technology officers have an entrepreneurial background.

Cybersecurity

Malware Campaign Morphs

Last month, a major malware campaign attempting to trick users into opening malicious PDF files was <a href="http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9176088/Major_malware_campaign_abuses_unfixed_PDF_flaw?taxonomyId=208">reported</a>. The attack worked by sending a malicious e-mail masquerading as mail from company system administrators and contained the subject message heading "setting for your mailbox are changed." The malware exploited an unpatched design flaw in the PDF format.

People

CTO: Innovation help wanted

The Health and Human Services Department encourages agency employees to think like innovators.

People

A CTO headcount throughout government

The chief technology officer position is becoming more common at all levels of government.

Digital Government

HIPAA Rules Now Apply to PHRs

It's not a new law, but it's a tangible, short-term step toward protecting the privacy of patient data that travels online. To address loopholes in current patient privacy legislation, the Health and Human Services Department on Thursday proposed <a href="http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2010-16718_PI.pdf">privacy rules</a> that would apply to vendors of technology that transmit personal health data.

Cybersecurity

Russian spy ring: IT was not enough

The recently busted Russian spy ring won't win any awards for the most innovative use of advanced technology.