Modernization

DHS lags in oversight for data center, IG says

Homeland Security Department officials haven't reviewed invoices for more than $160 million in spending related to DHS' primary data center operating on Navy property,

Digital Government

DHS to enlist cell phones for early-warning chemical detection

The Homeland Security Department is working on developing a cell phone with an artificial nose that can detect and warn of chemical attacks.

Digital Government

Former DHS chief: Cyber ShockWave exposed missing links in US security

Former DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff, who took part in Cyber ShockWave, says the exercise showed that the United States lacks the ability to effectively respond to a catastrophic cyber event. He identifies a few steps government and the private sector need to take.

Cybersecurity

Customs at odds with DHS IG over report on small-biz goals

Officials at Customs and Border Protection say a draft report by the inspector general contains 'misstatements of fact and inaccuracies that are misleading.'

Cybersecurity

Obama announces new pick to head TSA

Robert Harding, former director for operations at the Defense Intelligence Agency, is President Barack Obama's new pick to lead the Transportation Security Administration.

Cybersecurity

Are DHS contractors running amok?

Two heavyweights from the Senate want to know who is running the shop at the Homeland Security Department. And whoever it is, the department's inspector general would like to speak with them.

Cybersecurity

Uncle Cyber Sam wants you

The cyber spooks and watchdogs in the Obama administration are coming out of the shadows, making a full-court press to engage industry and the public in their crusade against cyber war.

Digital Government

More details emerge on Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative

The White House on March 2 released a summary of the 12 parts of a classified, expansive computer security initiative that was started in January 2008.

Cybersecurity

DHS awarded noncompetitive contracts without having adequate records, IG says

The Homeland Security Department's Inspector General found gaps and missing data when he searched records on contracts awarded without open competition.

Cybersecurity

Fusion centers to be assessed

Federal, state and local officials plan to assess fusion centers' progress in meeting baseline capabilities.

Cybersecurity

Emergency communications center stalled, GAO says

The Homeland Security Department and its federal partners are still in the early stages in forming an emergency communications preparedness center, a report says.

Digital Government

DHS wants your ideas for cybersecurity awareness campaign

The Homeland Security Department wants suggestions for ways to bolster public awareness about cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity

Critics not satisfied with partial revelation of secret cybersecurity plan

Observers welcomed the release of summary of the government's classified cybersecurity initiative, but some want the Obama administration to give more details.

Cybersecurity

E-Verify fails to catch half of unauthorized workers, study reveals

About 3 percent of the E-Verify caseload consists of workers who improperly gained approvals from E-Verify to work in the United States, says a report commissioned by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Digital Government

Huge size of DHS contractor workforce leaves senators 'astonished'

Sens. Lieberman and Collins say the huge size of DHS's contractor workforce is 'unacceptable, untenable and unsustainable.'

Cybersecurity

DHS plans to seek cybersecurity R&D center support

The Homeland Security Department plans to award a multi-year contract to provide a range of management and technical services for its cybersecurity research and development programs.

Cybersecurity

Napolitano explains why less (money) is more for SBInet

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano explains the Obama administration's rationale for seeking significantly less money for fiscal 2011 for a border security program that includes building a virtual fence.

Cybersecurity

DHS officials reluctant to debar, suspend contractors, IG reports

DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner is accusing department acquisition officials of being "reluctant" to initiate debarment and suspension actions against contractors.

Cybersecurity

DHS falls behind in issuing HSPD-12 ID cards, IG reports

Poor management and not enough funding have caused the Homeland Security Department to fall behind in its distribution of HSPD-12 identification cards to employees and contractors, according to a new report.

Cybersecurity

SBInet's caretaker shares frustrations about delays, snafus

Mark Borkowski is in the unenviable position of overseeing SBInet, the border protection system that is as noteworthy for its ambitious scope as it is for technical glitches and schedule delays.