Cybersecurity
OMB expands definition of high-value assets
The Office of Management and Budget is making sure all agencies develop plans to protect their most sensitive, most valuable cybersecurity assets, and designate an agency-level office or team to secure them.
Acquisition
CBP's $297M HR systems contract yields just two hires
In a management alert, the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General found that a year-old human resources system contract is CBP's almost $300 million hiring contract is seriously challenged by performance and technology issues, according to the DHS Inspector General.
Digital Government
Senate Bill Would Force Security Clearance Reforms
It also would require the director of National Intelligence to rethink the SF-86 form and process.
Emerging Tech
China’s Electric Cars Are Government Spies
There are currently 1.4 million electric cars providing data, including real-time location.
Modernization
Watchdog: IRS botched Linux migration
Poor IT governance has prevented the IRS from making progress on a long-term effort to migrate 141 legacy applications from proprietary vendor software to open-source Linux operating systems, according to an audit.
Digital Government
Agencies Increase FITARA Scores
Eleven agencies increased their grade and 13 remained the same.
Cybersecurity
Shutdown appears more likely after Oval Office squabble
An Oval Office photo op devolved into public squabble as President Donald Trump and top Democrats argued on camera about a possible government shutdown.
Emerging Tech
The Future of Software Isn’t an App. It’s a Habit
This is especially true in the age of the smart speaker.
Digital Government
FCW Insider: Dec. 11
Top stories, quick hits and more from FCW's reporters and editors.
Cybersecurity
Microsoft president calls for government oversight on facial recognition
The tech industry leader is worried that potential abuses of facial recognition technology could diminish enthusiasm for positive and practical uses in commerce and law enforcement.
Cybersecurity
CBP Officers Aren’t Deleting Data After Warrantless Device Searches, IG Says
An inspector general report found Border Patrol officers didn’t follow standard procedures during device searches, mostly because those procedures weren’t clearly laid out.
Artificial Intelligence
Amazon And Microsoft Claim AI Can Read Human Emotions. Experts Say the Science Is Shaky
“The problem is now AI is being applied in a lot of social contexts."
Policy
OMB Redefines Government's 'Crown Jewels'
A new policy memo expands the government’s guidance for protecting high-value assets to include every agency and office and broadens the definition of “value.”
Artificial Intelligence
IARPA Is Trying Keep Adversaries From Corrupting AI Tools
Could cyber adversaries be training the government’s artificial intelligence tools to fail?
Artificial Intelligence
Think Tank Offers AI Strategy Pointers for White House, Congress
The Center for Data Innovation released a report with six goals and 40 recommendations to keep the U.S. at the forefront of artificial intelligence.
Digital Government