Modernization

VA Solicits Feedback on Plans to Transform its HR IT Systems

The agency’s vast human resources community process more than 1 million personnel actions a year.

Cybersecurity

What We Know About the SolarWinds Breach

The White House invoked Presidential Policy Directive-41 to coordinate a "whole of government" response.

Digital Government

New bill would shed light on 'midnight regulations'

A new bill would require the Government Accountability Office to provide Congress with information about rules published during the ending days of the Trump administration.

People

Telework gets Air Force IT seal of approval

Lauren Knausenberger, the Air Force's deputy CIO, said IT satisfaction went up significantly once people started working from home.

Cybersecurity

Senate Bill Targets Government’s Response to Agency-Involved Cyber Incidents

Agencies would see new reporting requirements to keep Congress and impacted individuals more informed about security breaches.

People

Longtime agency watchdog to head CIGIE

The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency elected the Inspector General of the National Science Foundation as its new chairperson.

Cybersecurity

NSC invokes 2016 directive to respond to SolarWinds hack

The National Security Council's announcement to create a special group for coordinating the federal government's response to the SolarWinds hack comes as the list of affected agencies grows.

Emerging Tech

Report: Augmented Reality Challenges Privacy Norms

Augmented reality technology’s presumed growth comes with some risks.

Ideas

The Pandemic May Be the Catalyst for the Digital Government We All Want

As citizens clamor for more online government services, they’re equally and rightfully clear on the need for strong security.

Podcasts

Critical Update: Did COVID-19 Push More Agencies Into the Cloud?

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting mass telework means agencies must have moved more data, workloads and services into the cloud. Right?

Digital Government

FCW Insider: Dec. 15

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

Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Emerging Tech

Pentagon Risks Falling Short on Electromagnetic Spectrum Goals, GAO Finds

The Defense Department needs to improve governance and oversight of EMS strategies in order to maintain operational control, according to a new audit.

Artificial Intelligence

What Trump’s Order on Trustworthy AI Might Mean for Agencies

Experts say it’s a step in the right direction, but the coming months will determine its ultimate impacts. 

Modernization

Congress moves to bring back domestic microelectronics manufacturing

The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act would sets a timetable for DOD to stop buying microelectronics manufactured in certain countries, potentially boosting domestic manufacturing for national security.

Modernization

DHS tests tech to spot rogue wireless devices

The Department of Homeland Security's research and development arm is testing a portable wireless device detection system that would track down unauthorized gear.

Cybersecurity

CISA Orders Federal Agencies to Turn Off SolarWinds Products 

A critical flaw in software used throughout government was reportedly used to breach a major security company and at least two federal agencies.

People

OPM succession shuffle sparks Schedule F concerns

Experts worry that an executive order with the potential to politicize the civil service could do lasting damage, even if rescinded by the incoming Biden administration.

Ideas

Scientists Suggest U.S. Embassies Were Hit with High-Power Microwaves – Here's How the Weapons Work

The technology behind the suspected weapons is well understood and dates back to the Cold War arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Cybersecurity

Hack at Treasury and Commerce spurs emergency order from CISA

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued an emergency directive late Sunday night after reported breaches at two cabinet agencies. The Department of Homeland Security, CISA's parent agency, also has reportedly been breached.