Digital Government

Federal employees union skeptical of building security 'enhancements'

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced this week two enhancements aimed at strengthening security at thousands of federal buildings.

Cybersecurity

Cyber Command nominee lays out rules of engagement

The nominee to head the Defense Department's new Cyber Command outlines how the command could respond to different cyberattack scenarios.

Cybersecurity

TSA contractors performed government-only work, IG concludes

TSA allowed contractors to review invoices for other contractors in apparent violation of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, according to a new report from the Homeland Security Department inspector general's office.

Cybersecurity

DHS inks deal with Germany for global trusted travelers

Homeland Security Department officials signed an agreement with Germany to integrate the countries' trusted traveler programs.

Cybersecurity

Senators look to Amsterdam for airport technology

Computer-based auto-detection technology deployed at Amsterdam’s airport to screen passengers for explosives could be useful in the United States, according to some senators.

Cybersecurity

Cyber chief slams security efforts

The White House's top cybersecurity official calls for needed measures to protect federal networks, some of which should have been done long ago.

Cybersecurity

GAO on board with Secure Flight plans

The Transportation Security Administration has generally achieved all 10 statutory conditions for its program to take over the checking of air travelers against watch lists.

Digital Government

DHS' updated infrastructure plan emphasizes systems resiliency

The National Infrastructure Protection Plan, updated by DHS, puts greater emphasis on the resiliency of critical systems, particularly IT systems, according to a GAO evaluation.

Cybersecurity

First responders connect via DHS online network

The Homeland Security Department hopes 500,000 local, state and federal first responders will join a new online professional network DHS has created for them.

Cybersecurity

DHS to hire 170 IT employees during next 18 months

Richard Spires, the CIO of the Homeland Security Department, said today his IT workforce will almost double by October 2011.

Cybersecurity

DHS undecided about US-VISIT air exit system

The Homeland Security Department is still undecided about pursuing a biometric system at airports to verify that non-U.S. citizens leave when required.

Cybersecurity

Social networking still a learning experience for agencies

Using new social media tools is still new to federal agencies and minor problems and missteps should be expected, several officials said today at the FOSE trade show.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity game plan needs stronger educational strategy

Computer science students should get college scholarships like basketball or football players, a senior official in DHS' National Cybersecurity Division said at FOSE.

Cybersecurity

Federal 100: Earl N. Crane

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Cybersecurity

DHS releases new details on Einstein 3 intrusion prevention pilot

The Homeland Security Department plans to use another agency and an Internet Service Provider to test capabilities and processes for its planned next generation network security program.

Modernization

DHS officials defend progress on SBInet border system

Two days after Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano froze some spending on the SBInet virtual fence system at the Arizona border, DHS officials say the system is providing needed capabilities.

Digital Government

With fusion centers, privacy is a serious — and touchy — subject

Agencies involved in fusion centers say they take privacy seriously. But they're reluctant to say much else about the subject.

Digital Government

State fusion centers look to expand beyond counterterrorism efforts

Shortly after the first fusion centers were established, federal and state officials realized two things: First, the fusion concept could be extended beyond counterterrorism. And second, federal grants were a powerful force in shaping fusion centers.

Cybersecurity

DHS freezes spending on virtual fence project

The department plans to keep freeze in place until a review is completed.

Cybersecurity

DHS, industry to try fusion centers for classified data swap

The Homeland Security Department plans to use state and local intelligence fusion centers to share classified data on cyber threats to critical infrastructure.