Cybersecurity

OMB Issues Interim Rule for Banning IT Products From Federal Systems

Any individual the Federal Acquisition Security Council deems credible could initiate a removal or exclusion order.

Cybersecurity

The U.S. Has Lots to Lose and Little to Gain by Banning TikTok and WeChat

The bans threaten Americans’ freedom of speech, and may harm foreign investment in the U.S. and American companies’ ability to sell software abroad.

Cybersecurity

Pentagon’s Contractor Cybersecurity Program Approaches Testing Phase 

The pending non-profit in charge of issuing certifications is moving forward with training for assessors as a key aspect of its arrangement with the Defense Department could be in flux. 

Digital Government

The Tech Perspective Kamala Harris Could Bring to the Vice Presidency

Nextgov took a look at the record of Sen. Kamala Harris. D-Calif., on tech issues to see what technology perspective she could bring to the vice presidency. 

Cybersecurity

Ransomware Attacks Demanding Larger Payouts from Local Governments

The average ransom demanded of a local government in a cyberattack grew from $30,000 to $380,000, according to one cybersecurity firm.

Modernization

NIST Calls for Standards to Improve Forensic Capabilities in the Cloud  

The agency has been highlighting gaps in cloud standards for almost a decade now and noted a conspicuous beneficiary of the status quo.

Cybersecurity

Cyber Defenders

In this ebook, Nextgov talks to top cyber-focused officials about the programs that aim to secure federal information and networks.

Ideas

Solving the COVID Cloud Challenge

Here are five ways to secure a defense in depth strategy with a remote workforce.

Cybersecurity

Federal Agencies Warn North Korean Hackers Have Upgraded Their Cash-Out Schemes

A joint alert shared details of tactics and malware used by a state subgroup the U.S. government calls the BeagleBoyz.

Ideas

Can the U.S. Government Really Ban TikTok?

It is nearly impossible to ban any application completely.

Podcasts

Critical Update: Why a Government Vulnerability Disclosure Program Is a Big Deal

The new policy could change the government’s relationship with hackers but some agencies have reservations.  

Cybersecurity

CISA Warns of Vulnerabilities in Popular Domain Name System Software 

Security advisories note attackers could remotely exploit flaws to cause a denial of service.

Cybersecurity

The President’s Cup Cybersecurity Competition Is Underway

The competition is open to any federal employee, including the Department of Defense and uniformed service members.

Ideas

Why CMMC Could Be Our Best Weapon to Fight Back Against Chinese IP Theft

The newfound penchant toward action is an opportunity to raise the bar for cybersecurity and better secure American IP.

Cybersecurity

Tracking Robocalls Debunks Myths and Clears Up Mysteries

Researchers found that answering a robocall doesn't doom you to more.

Cybersecurity

Pentagon Acquisition Chief Clarifies Temporary Extension for Implementing Chinese Equipment Ban

A recent memo allows vendors additional time to comply with Section 889 for certain low-risk goods, but the department is not seeking mass extensions, Ellen Lord told reporters.

Cybersecurity

IRS Granted Tens of Thousands of Devices Network Access Without Proper Authentication

Most devices accessing the Internal Revenue Service’s internal network using wireless connections and virtual private networks weren’t authenticated, according to an audit. 

Cybersecurity

Commerce Expands Restrictions on Huawei

The department's Bureau of Industry and Security added another 38 Huawei affiliates to its Entity List.

Ideas

Political Trolls Adapt, Create Material to Deceive and Confuse the Public

What they posted shifted over time.