Cybersecurity
CISA orders agencies to disconnect Microsoft Exchange on-prem servers
The government's leading cybersecurity agency is ordering all federal civilian agencies to provide a status report on its usage of Microsoft Exchange products by noon on Friday.
People
Human capital woes make high-risk operations worse, GAO says
Strategic human capital management has fallen by the wayside, and that is taking a toll on government operations.
Ideas
Agencies Must Change to Support In-House Tech Talent They Need
Technologists look for environments that value them, give them challenging opportunities, help them grow their skills, and provide a path to advance their careers.
Cybersecurity
Scammers Posing as Border Patrol Agents Are Attempting to Swindle Banking Info
The Homeland Security Department warns it never solicits money over the phone.
Ideas
COVID-19 Revealed How Sick the U.S. Health Care Delivery System Really Is
In reality, the U.S. health care sector is not a system at all.
People
With Tanden out, top House Dems push Young for budget director
The House Speaker her and top lieutenants are pressing for the nomination of Shalanda Young to lead the Office of Management and Budget.
Acquisition
Presidential Rank Awards are back
The Biden administration is bringing back the Presidential Rank Awards for 2021 after a one-year hiatus.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: March 3
The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.
Ideas
Can Vaccinated People Still Spread the Coronavirus?
In most cases, a person who gets vaccinated is protected from disease, not necessarily infection.
Policy
Lawmaker to Reintroduce Net Neutrality Legislation Within Weeks
Supporters say giving the Federal Communications Commission greater authority over internet service providers is more important in the wake of the pandemic.
People
Tanden out as OMB director nominee
After weeks of controversy, the Biden administration's pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget withdrew her name from consideration.
Modernization
Remote Work and Hack Mitigation Show Need for IT Modernization Funding, Lawmaker Says
Rep. Ro Khanna detailed efforts to ensure agencies have resources for legally mandated updates.
Cybersecurity
FBI Director Says Extremists Flocking to Encrypted Apps Poses New Challenges
Christopher Wray told lawmakers tech companies are the ones making policies about encryption.
Digital Government
Air Force Academy IT in dire need of upgrades, superintendent says
Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, the Air Force Academy’s superintendent, told Congress the academy’s accreditation was threatened by legacy IT.
Digital Government
Cybersecurity and IT Remain Top Concerns on GAO’s High-Risk List
Agencies showed some slight progress on IT issues, though cybersecurity took a step backward in the latest report.
People
OMB deputy nominee appears to have an easy confirmation ahead
While Neera Tanden's nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget is in peril, it looks like Shalanda Young will have an smooth path to confirmation as the agency's number two official.
Emerging Tech
Defense Innovation Unit Initiated 35% More Projects in 2020
The group initiated 23 new projects and transitioned 11 capabilities to Defense Department partners last year, according to its annual report.
Emerging Tech
Police Departments Experiment With 70-Pound Robot Dog
Departments have deployed the cyber K-9s in hostage situations and as part of the covid response. Proponents say the robots can help keep officers out of harm's way, while critics worry how they could be used without clear policy guidelines in place.
Ideas