Cybersecurity

Biden Redirects Agencies on Securing Information and Communications Technology

A new executive order revokes bans on WeChat and TikTok but retains and adds to a Trump edict on U.S. tech, especially “connected software applications” tied to foreign adversaries.

People

OMB wants budget boost to rebuild workforce

OMB Acting Director Shalanda Young said some offices within her agency remain 30% below 2012 staffing levels.

Digital Government

Where’s the DOD IT Budget Breakdown?

The previous two administrations released separate DOD IT budget documentation going back to at least 2013, but the Biden administration has not yet done the same.

Digital Government

The Federal Government May Need to Play a Role in Vaccine Credentials, Despite Reluctance

The Biden administration has repeatedly said there will be no federal mandate, but it may be difficult to sit on the sidelines as states and businesses develop their own policies, some experts say.

Modernization

DHS Faces Rising Costs as Planned Biometrics Cloud Gets Pushed Back

Three years behind schedule, the move from legacy IDENT to the new Amazon-hosted HART system is now slated for the end of 2021.

Digital Government

White House: Agencies shouldn't require vaccinations or ask for employees' vaccination status

Unvaccinated individuals will still need to abide by CDC recommendations for masking and physical distancing, the new guidance says.

Cybersecurity

Colonial Pipeline CEO talks ransom with lawmakers

House lawmakers on Wednesday were keen to ask Colonial Pipeline's chief executive officer what he knew about the ramifications of making a ransom payment and how it might affect the company's finances.

Acquisition

First CMMC assessment organization approved

The accrediting body overseeing the Defense Department's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program announced the debut of the first organization authorized to assess defense contractors.

Policy

White House Presents Steps to Address Supply-Chain Problems

A new task force would examine issues that surfaced during the pandemic, including semiconductor shortages.

Ideas

How the Pandemic Impacted Government’s Cloud Migration Plans: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

While federal, state and local agencies remain firm believers in hybrid environments, they face several obstacles.

Cybersecurity

Space Force focuses on building a digital workforce

The U.S. Space Force is focusing on building its cadre of super coders amid a workforce boon with more interested applicants than available positions, according to the branch's chief of space operations.

Ideas

Bringing Tech Innovation to Wildfires: 4 Recommendations for Smarter Firefighting as Megafires Menace the U.S.

Managing the threat can start with better coordination and leveraging of technology for detecting and tracking the fires that matter.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: June 9, 2021

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

Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Emerging Tech

Navy Drone Refuels Fighter Jet, a Key Step Toward Adding UAVs to Carrier Wings

The MQ-25 T1 Stingray is slated for tests on an aircraft carrier later this year ahead of a planned 2025 deployment.

Cybersecurity

Colonial Pipeline CEO: Cybersecurity Mandates From TSA Might Help

Hackers breached the company after gaining access to a virtual private network not protected by multifactor authentication.

Emerging Tech

NSF, Tech Companies Partner to Create Post-5G Wireless Systems

They intend to promote the development of resilient and intelligent next-gen networks.

Digital Government

IRS chief presses case for boost in IT, cyber funding

IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig said the agency can use a 10% increase in funding included in the White House fiscal year 2022 budget proposal to "improve conditions for every American" while strengthening the agency's cyber posture.