Digital Government

Biden Names Federal CIO to Lead Governmentwide Modernization Efforts

A familiar face from the U.S. Digital Service and Office of Personnel Management will serve as the next federal chief information officer.

Cybersecurity

Pentagon issues cyber tasking order in response to Exchange hack

The Pentagon's new order to its agencies and commands aligns with the recent emergency directive issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Acquisition

HASC chair flips spending debate to acquisition reform

House Armed Services Committee chair, Adam Smith's response to Republicans' call for at least a 3% topline defense budget increase is: "How you spend the money is what matters."

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Agency Takes Over Management of .Gov Domain

The official domain for .gov websites shifted from the government’s landlord to the government’s central cybersecurity shop.

Cybersecurity

Air Force Only Service to Develop Cybersecurity Requirements for Weapon Systems Contracts, GAO Says

The audit found the Defense Department has improved weapon systems cybersecurity in recent years, but detailed requirements must make it into contracts.

People

Martorana to take over as federal CIO

The OPM tech chief is moving to the White House to lead civilian federal IT policy.

Ideas

5 Strategies to Prepare Now for the Next Pandemic

First, shore up the systems already in place.

Podcasts

Critical Update: Let’s Talk About UFOs

What’s behind unidentified aerial phenomena observed by military officials? Are we alone in the universe? Nextgov asks some experts.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: March 9

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

Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Cybersecurity

Hafnium hack poses new long-term threat for already overtaxed cyber workers

Federal agencies still reeling from the effects of a massive hack involving SolarWinds may face a new challenge of evicting any adversaries that breached their networks through recently discovered vulnerabilities in Microsoft's Exchange software.

Modernization

Justice Department Warns of Fake Unemployment Benefit Websites

It’s one more issue for jobless Americans and state workforce agencies to be concerned about.

Digital Government

TMF set to receive $1B infusion in COVID relief bill

Former federal IT leaders told FCW that the boost for the Technology Modernization Fund is welcome, but the big money may necessitate process changes.

People

A contractor calls for hiring more techies in-house

Steve Kelman argues that Ad Hoc CEO Greg Gershman is onto something important.

Emerging Tech

VA Launches New Platform to Send Veterans Personalized Notifications

Open-source software—developed abroad—supports a new tool that allows the agency to send confirmations and other details through email or text.

Cybersecurity

House Armed Services Chair Calls for Focus on Information Systems Over Arbitrary Metrics

Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., suggested a 500-ship Navy is inadequate if adversaries are able to disrupt command and control systems.

Emerging Tech

GSA Joins Cryptocurrency Craze With First-Ever Bitcoin Auction

The General Services Administration got its hands on a share of Bitcoin and is putting it to auction later this month.