Cybersecurity
Passwords as Easy as 123
For a peak into what passwords people choose - and just how easy they are to break - check out <a href="http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2010/04/11/passwords_we_love/">this article</a> the <em>Boston Globe</em> published on April 11. (It accompanied a <a href="http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2010/04/11/please_do_not_change_your_password/">larger article</a> on a study that concluded the cost of changing passwords outweighs the benefits - another interesting read.) A security firm analyzed 32 million passwords stolen from the social applications producer called RockYou and posted online. (A hacker had broken into the system in December 2009.) The most popular passwords were a form of 123456. And No. 4 on the list? "Password."
Cybersecurity
Agencies struggle with securing computers, GAO reports
Senators act to get agencies to secure their computer systems against cyberattacks and hackers.
Digital Government
Is Competitive Hiring Too Complex?
Alyssa Rosenberg <a href="http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=44997&dcn=todaysnews">writes</a> at <em>Government Executive</em> about a new white paper that proposes scrapping the traditional competitive federal hiring process for graduate students in favor of a new internship program. The paper, written by the National Association of Public Affairs and Administration, notes that only 25 percent of graduate students who join the federal government are getting jobs through competitive hiring. This means the process is not serving the needs of students, particularly those who have education and skills but not much work experience, NASPAA noted.
People
IRMCO opens with telework talk
The General Services Administration's IRMCO conference, underway on Maryland's Eastern Shore, features an array of topics and speakers.
Digital Government
Health IT + iPad = iSalvation
First there was tulip mania, circa 1637. More recently there were tech stock and real-estate bubbles. Now, enthusiasm for the iPad as a game-changing health IT device is swelling like the string section in a romantic movie score.
Digital Government
Security Study Guide
Are you a federal information security worker preparing for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional exam? (ISC)2 on Monday released the second edition of its official CISSP study guide, which reflects the evolving terminology and changing scope of information security jobs. The guide includes a CD with sample CISSP exams and grades, corrects and identifies areas where more study is needed.
People
HHS emphasizes dashboards, new datasets in transparency plan
The Health and Human Services Department is launching two new performance management dashboards and releasing new Medicare patient data as part of its transparency effort.
Digital Government
Former fed takes on more Networx work
Ken Thompson, a former VA official, becomes director of TurningPoint Global Solution's telecom transition servics.
Cybersecurity
GAO on board with Secure Flight plans
The Transportation Security Administration has generally achieved all 10 statutory conditions for its program to take over the checking of air travelers against watch lists.
Digital Government
iPad: 10 reasons feds should be eager
The GCN Lab finds 10 reasons why feds will love the iPad, starting with a couple of things it doesn't have.
Digital Government
iPad: 10 reasons feds should be wary
The GCN Lab has offered 10 reasons(plus a bonus reason) why iPads would be good for government use. But what's right for one user isn't always right for another. So here are 10 reasons why government employees might want to take a pass.
Digital Government
Federal cloud computing just got easier
Joint Authorization Board will relieve much of the pressure on agency IT managers in choosing technologies for cloud applications
People
Open gov unleashed in a flurry of plans
Reaction to the latest round of agency plans was muted last week — not by a lack of interest but by the overwhelming volume of information.
Digital Government
Legislation would open diplomatic relations -- in cyberspace
A bill being introduced today would create the position of ambassador at large in the State Department to coordinate U.S. foreign policy on cybersecurity and cyberspace issues.
Digital Government