Modernization

DHS explores virtual world technologies

The Homeland Security Department wants to know how virtual world technologies and Web-based tools can help responders prepare for emergencies.

Cybersecurity

Authentication said key to cybersecurity

Bruce McConnell, a top cybersecurity official, said authentication of users and devices is key to cybersecurity.

Modernization

Citizenship agency launches interactive Web site

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a revamped Web site that lets users track their applications and petitions online. The new USCIS.gov site also makes national trend and raw data available.

Cybersecurity

TSA needs privacy IT tools, IG says

The TSA has made progress in implementing privacy protections, but still needs to beef up its monitoring and enforcement with automated tools, DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner says.

Cybersecurity

DOD opens some classified information to non-federal officials

Some officials working at state and local intelligence fusion centers will have limited access to data on the Defense Department's classified network.

Modernization

Lawmakers hit DHS on electronic border surveillance system

Lawmakers scolded Homeland Security Department officials for the latest round of delays on the SBInet electronic border surveillance project.

Cybersecurity

IG faults DHS for breaking rules on some noncompetitive contracts

DHS' Inspector General finds 70 examples where officials didn't follow federal acquisition rules in awarding noncompetitive contracts.

Cybersecurity

IG: DHS needs better management for OneNet

DHS needs better management for its project to consolidate its agencies' network infrastructures, the department's inspector general found.

Cybersecurity

DHS struggles to manage billions in IT investments, GAO finds

Despite some progress, DHS still has problems with managing major IT investments, the GAO finds.

Cybersecurity

Immigration agency to outsource disaster recovery plans

The Office of the CIO for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is looking for a contractor that can take over disaster recovery planning and management.

Modernization

IT upgrades, increased public interaction coming for Citizenship and Immigration Services

Alejandro Mayorkas, the new director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said he wants the agency to be more engaged with the public and also to move into the electronic age.

Cybersecurity

Report: ICE needs better database to track detainees

The DHS agency needs better information systems and database to track its 32,000 detainees and ensure good management, a report recommends.

Cybersecurity

Contractors lose bid to suspend E-Verify enforcement

A second attempt to delay the E-Verify rule from becoming effective for federal contractors has failed

Cybersecurity

One appeal fails, another pending today for E-Verify

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other plaintiffs have filed another appeal in attempt to stop the E-Verify rule from going into effect today for federal contractors, according to a media report.

Modernization

U.S. and Mexico talk safety across the fence

U.S. and Mexican officials announced an agreement to set up a cross-border network to enhance safety and law enforcement at the border.

Cybersecurity

Experts disagree on effect of E-Verify's expiration

The authorization for the E-Verify employment verification program expires three weeks after it is set to cover federal contractors.

Cybersecurity

Groups ask court to delay E-Verify despite ruling

The organizations trying to stop the E-Verify rule from covering federal contractors have filed for an injunction to delay enforcement from beginning Sept. 8.

Cybersecurity

IG: FEMA needs centralized IT for disaster relief

FEMA needs to centralize how it buys goods and services for dealing with disasters into an integrated information technology system, a report recommends.

Digital Government

DHS needs to plug some cybersecurity holes, audit finds

The DHS Inspector General recommends improving the department's coordination of cybersecurity for critical control systems.

Cybersecurity

Court: Federal contractors covered by E-Verify rule

A judge upheld the Homeland Security Department's E-Verify electronic employment verification rule for federal contractors starting Sept. 8.