Cybersecurity

CISA Urges Patching Atlassian Software Before Holiday Weekend

A vulnerability in collaboration software is undergoing “mass exploitation,” according to U.S. Cyber Command. 

Digital Government

LGBTQ+ People of Color Face Greatest Risk from Spike in Hate Crimes. Why Doesn't FBI Data Include Them?

Across the nation, more hate crimes were reported in 2020 than in any year since 2008. Advocates say federal data is missing crucial context that keeps resources from those at the greatest risk.

Ideas

The Federal Government is Using 20th-Century Responses to a 21st-Century Problem

Policymakers have been working on implementing continuous monitoring of its human assets with access to top secret information for several years, and the government should do the same for its digital assets.

Digital Government

More Than Two-Thirds of Americans Support a Surge in Staff and Funding at IRS

Biden has proposed additional spending at the tax agency, arguing it would help prevent wealthy Americans from dodging their bills.

Digital Government

House infrastructure bill includes over $3 billion for federal tech

Under an amendment from Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), the Technology Modernization Fund could see another $1 billion in capitalization.

Digital Government

It's time for government tech to address inequities in service delivery

Civil servants and vendors have traditionally approached government software with a mindset that has created administrative burdens – a confusing online application can stand in the way of someone getting healthcare, food assistance and unemployment insurance.

Digital Government

What makes hackathons work

Steve Kelman share recent research on how successful hackathon teams turn out functioning products.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: September 3, 2021

The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.

Digital Government

Quick Hits

None

Ideas

Bitcoin Will Soon be ‘Legal Tender’ in El Salvador – Here’s What that Means

Does making bitcoin legal tender mean every store and merchant in El Salvador will now have to accept digital payments?

Digital Government

OPM Issues Guidance on Weather Leave in Age of Telework, Disasters

As the remnants of Hurricane Ida created disruptions throughout the eastern United States, the Office of Personnel Management highlighted how workplace flexibilities can mesh with the federal government’s current maximum telework posture.

Emerging Tech

Air Force’s First Software Chief Steps Down

Leader of a Pentagon-wide DevSecOps initiative, Nicolas Chaillan cited lack of support from senior leadership as one reason for his  departure. 

People

Federal managers seek hard info on COVID-19 testing plans

In a letter sent to administration officials Thursday, the Government Managers Coalition flagged concerns that agencies and managers are ill-prepared to roll out the administration's COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for feds.

People

Biden names pick for final MSPB slot

The Merit Systems Protection Board has been without a quorum for over four years and has a backlog of more than 3,000 appeals.

Emerging Tech

Navy Expands Uniform Policy to Permit Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches

Such announcements are made when the need for standards revisions have been confirmed and approved by leadership.  

Ideas

5 Steps to Protecting Federal Data Repositories in the Cloud

From ransomware to exfiltration, cybersecurity attacks are targeting sensitive government data. Here’s a reliable approach to protecting mission-critical information.

Digital Government

OMB Names New U.S. Digital Service Chief

Mina Hsiang is the third administrator of USDS since it launched in 2014.

Cybersecurity

House panel passes 2022 NDAA with eye on cyber workforce

The House Armed Services Committee passed its version of the 2022 defense policy bill, 57-2.

Digital Government

White House names Mina Hsiang to lead USDS

Mina Hsiang is the first woman and first Asian-American to lead the innovation shop. She was part of the U.S. Digital Service when it was launched after the troubled Healthcare.gov rollout.