Modernization

ICE CIO gives Zoom the cold shoulder

The top tech official at Immigration and Customs Enforcement is instructing employees to avoid installing Zoom for video conferencing and use instead Skype, MS Teams and WebEx.

Modernization

NIST Invites Comment on Guidance for Who Gets to Access What in the Cloud 

Cloud services facilitate resource and data sharing but that introduces security vulnerabilities.

Emerging Tech

Wi-Fi Peeks into Buildings to Check Social Distancing

Mapping the Wi-Fi strength of mobile devices can reveal how people move and gather.

Modernization

In a crisis, America turns to….COBOL programmers and fax machines

The coronavirus pandemic illustrates how far the federal government and states has to go to support an agile, 21st century public sector workforce.

Cybersecurity

CISA Offers Ways to Lessen Lag for Teleworkers Without Sacrificing Security

The temporary guidance outlines options and best practices for agencies to follow during the coronavirus pandemic.

Modernization

VA Delays Major IT Programs to Focus on COVID-19

The initial rollout of the new electronic health records system will be pushed out—again—as well as pilots for the new scheduling system. A third, integral effort remains on track.

Cybersecurity

The Pentagon Is Using Zoom. Is it Safe?

Experts say the ubiquitous videoconferencing tools bear some risk of accidentally exposing mundane details, and even inviting a new wave of deep fakes. But the risks can be managed.

Podcasts

Critical Update: How CISA Defines ‘Trust’ in the Trusted Internet Connection Policy

Nextgov offers a deep dive into TIC 3 and the purported conflict between CISA’s trust zones and zero-trust security.

Modernization

How will DOD’s workforce shift post-COVID-19?

What will working in DOD look like on the other side of the COVID-19 curve?

Modernization

Mid-Pandemic, CDC Looks to Upgrade Its Biosurveillance Database

The system collects data from hospitals, local public health departments, pharmacies and more to give researchers and officials a view of how diseases spread across the country.

Modernization

Pentagon Attorneys Say Amazon Wants ‘Do-Over’ in JEDI Bid

The Defense Department defended its request for a four-month remand while it addresses issues raised by Amazon’s lawsuit over the multibillion-dollar cloud contract.

Modernization

HHS tech official warns feds, contractors on virtual meeting risks

As remote collaboration become the default, federal agencies are advising employees and users that video teleconferencing software, phone meetings and other tools are at increased risk.

Modernization

COVID Response Delays Awards for GSA’s E-Commerce Platform Pilots

The online purchasing platforms were meant to be awarded and rolled out before the end of the year. But getting agencies equipped with teleworking tech has taken priority.

Cybersecurity

Infosec Reviews Not Good for Small Business Administration, Veterans Affairs Department

Audits note poor posture and highlight weaknesses related to remote work and contractor oversight.

Cybersecurity

Survey: Organizations Find Software Containers ‘Most Challenging’ IT Component

The popularity of software containers grows even though some organizations aren’t sure they can secure them.

Emerging Tech

FDA, NIH, VA Partner to Accelerate 3D-Printed Protective Gear for COVID-19 Response

The pandemic-driven outcomes could demonstrate what strategic interagency efforts around emerging technology can catalyze in rapid timeframes.