Modernization

Nicole Willis: Downsizing systems at DHS

Willis led the development of an IT architecture that will allow DHS to eliminate more than 100 redundant systems.

Cybersecurity

House GOP lawmakers introduce DHS authorization bill

Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) and other Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee, introduce authorizing legislation for the Homeland Security Department.

Modernization

DHS CIO describes 'aggressive stance' on cloud migrations

The Homeland Security Department is being aggressive about adopting cloud computing, its CIO told a House subcommittee.

Digital Government

Coast Guard's Deepwater strategy running aground, official says

The Coast Guard faces some hard choices on its $24 billion Deepwater asset acquisition program, a GAO official told a House subcommittee.

Modernization

DHS moving public websites to the cloud

The Homeland Security Department is moving its public-facing websites to the cloud on a $600,000-a-year contract.

Cybersecurity

Coast Guard CIO still needs full authority, audit finds

The Coast Guard's new IT management strategic plan and acquisition guidance earned kudos, but the CIO still does not have sufficient oversight authority, an audit concluded.

Digital Government

DHS names Spaulding to critical infrastructure post

Suzanne Spaulding is the new deputy undersecretary for DHS' National Protection & Programs Directorate, according to a news report.

Cybersecurity

Bill would restrict DHS contracting, impose limited hiring freeze

The measure would stop DHS from using cost-reimbursement contracts for production of major systems.

Cybersecurity

H-1B workers abuse work privileges: IG

An audit of H-1B visa holders revealed that many abuse the program's privileges.

Cybersecurity

DHS, FBI beef up fingerprint checks for visitors

The Homeland Security Department and FBI are implementing a more robust system of checking fingerprint identities of international visitors at airport ports of entry.

Cybersecurity

9/11 remembered: Building a department on demand

Steve Cooper, the first CIO at DHS, recalls how a surge of patriotism prompted him to lend his talents to the homeland security effort.

Cybersecurity

DHS still has growing pains, comptroller says

U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro testified that the Homeland Security Department has achieved successes but still has organizational problems.

Digital Government

Sony names first chief information security officer

Company brings in former DHS official Philip Reitinger after massive hacking attack.

Cybersecurity

The creation of DHS and ODNI: cautionary tales

A new report offers management lessons learned from the creation of DHS and ODNI after the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Cybersecurity

Beware fake FEMA disaster app

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a new mobile application for disaster preparedness on Android, but an apparently fake FEMA app appears to have fooled many.

Cybersecurity

Protective Services risk assessment system fails, GAO says

The Federal Protective Service's costs for developing a new risk assessment system have tripled and the system is two years behind schedule, a new report says.

Cybersecurity

DHS expands program for people to check their employment eligibility

The expansion means millions more people can go online to make sure the government has accurate information about whether they're allowed to work in the United States.

Cybersecurity

Agencies don't reward innovation, feds say

In a time when efficiency and effectiveness should be at a premium, federal employees don't believe their agencies reward innovation, according to a new survey.

Digital Government

DHS, GAO disagree on details of acquisition planning

The Homeland Department said collecting data to decide when to begin planning for a major procurement is a waste of time.

Cybersecurity

DHS pushed to tighten IT acquisition policies

GAO uncovers weaknesses in DHS' method for independently assessing complex and costly IT acquisitions.