Cybersecurity
DHS wants more teams that respond to cyber threats
The Homeland Security Department wants to expand its cadre of teams that help factories and power plants protect against cyber threats to their supervisory control and data acquisition systems.
Cybersecurity
U.S. approach to global cybersecurity falls short, GAO says
White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Howard Schmidt should take action to deal with problems posed by global cyberspace policy questions, a report says.
Modernization
DHS meets most conditions for border systems
The Homeland Security Department has satisfied or partially satisfied 10 of the 11 conditions Congress set on obligating funds for border security systems, fencing and technology in 2010, the GAO says in a new report.
Digital Government
Don't expect a miracle from cybersecurity strategy, DHS says
An official with the Homeland Security Department's National Protection and Programs Directorate says the government doesn't need a new cybersecurity strategy.
Digital Government
DHS struggles to define its cybersecurity mission
Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute has asked the security community to help define the cybersecurity mission for the Department of Homeland Security.
Cybersecurity
Will Congress clamp down on spies gone wild?
An investigative report sheds light on the massive and massively outsourced federal intelligence apparatus, but prospects for reform are questionable.
Cybersecurity
DHS agencies slow to consolidate HR system, IG says
Nine agencies of the Homeland Security Department haven't finished their human resources system migrations, and many have not started, a new report says.
Digital Government
Department of Homeland Security may be the place for job-seeking vets
There’s no underestimating the importance of military veterans to the federal workforce. Transitioning vets have long provided a reliable pool of high-quality candidates for civilian positions in the federal government—and not just at DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Cybersecurity
Why no one wants DHS to play cyber mall cop
The public has repeatedly rebuffed attempts by the federal government to centralize identification management, writes Mike Spinney, senior privacy analyst at the Ponemon Institute.
Cybersecurity
Federal cyber strategy gets modestly clearer
The memo that gives DHS the lead role on government cybersecurity answered some questions but raised others, writes Chris Bronk.
Digital Government
Contractors in top secret programs may pose a major challenge for insourcing proponents
The explosive series of news articles currently running in The Washington Post—“Top Secret America”—is bound to add weight to the case against outsourcing.
Cybersecurity
DHS told to increase control over border-fence contractors
U.S. Customs and Border Protection must improve how it oversees contractors hired to build an IT-enabled, security fence along the U.S. border with Mexico, an audit finds.
Cybersecurity
DHS to take FISMA lead
The Office of Management and Budget and the White House Cybersecurity Coordinator have outlined for agencies the various cybersecurity responsibilities of the Homeland Security Department.
Cybersecurity
DHS still pondering biometric air exit system
The Homeland Security Department is still considering whether -- and how -- to proceed with a system to electronically collect fingerprints from non-U.S. visitors as they leave the United States by aircraft.
Cybersecurity
Most major DHS acquisitions are over budget, behind schedule: GAO
Audit by the Government Accountability Office finds that 12 of 15 large procurements at the Homeland Security Department suffer from cost overruns, planning obstacles that include staffing shortages and lack of sustainment planning, as well as execution challenges related to technical capability and dependence on contractor partners.
Cybersecurity
DHS front and center in Congress' cybersecurity debate--again
A proposed expansion of the Homeland Security Department's authority to protect networks and systems is central to one comprehensive Senate proposal but absent from another.
Cybersecurity
'Identity ecosystem' to replace passwords, draft strategy suggests
Obama administration releases a draft plan that would radically change the standard approach to online identity authentication -- if it works.
Digital Government
A cyber bill worth enacting
The long-awaited Senate cybersecurity bill, introduced by Sens. Joe Lieberman, Susan Collins and Thomas Carper, succeeds in providing a greater good in defending against cyberattacks and deserves to be enacted.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity bill would give president, DHS too much power, critics say
A cybersecurity bill is gaining support in the Senate, but its critics argue that it would give the president and DHS too much power over the private sector.
Cybersecurity