Modernization

DHS to save $87 million with license consolidation

DHS announced a fourth round of cost-saving measures, including replacing thousands of software licenses with a single departmentwide license.

Cybersecurity

New chief to update policies for Coast Guard's acquisition directorate

The new head of the Coast Guard acquisitions unit said he wants to make permanent the relationships between the new unit and the Homeland Security and Defense departments.

Cybersecurity

DHS launches YouTube channel

The Homeland Security Department has a new YouTube channel with links to YouTube videos by FEMA, the Coast Guard and other agencies.

Modernization

IG: DHS should get new infrastructure data system

The Homeland Security Department should finish the acquisition process for a new system that will be used to keep track of critical infrastructure, DHS' inspector general said.

Cybersecurity

Witnesses: E-Verify system can't detect ID theft

Former agency officials told a Senate subcommittee that the E-Verify system for employment verification cannot detect identity theft.

Cybersecurity

House bill would restrict laptop searches

A House subcommittee today will consider legislation that would require DHS to strengthen protections for U.S. citizens whose laptops are searched at the borders.

Cybersecurity

HUD, FEMA data sharing finds waste

An inspector general finds computer checks by FEMA and HUD that uncovered duplications in federal rental payments.

Cybersecurity

DHS another step closer to departmentwide debarments

DHS on July 16 published a new interim rule on suspensions and debarments for nonprocurement-related entities.

Modernization

IT costs central to Real ID, PASS ID debate

Backers of the Real ID Act and proposed PASS ID Act have been debating the extent to which states need to make expensive information technology investments to improve the security of driver's licenses.

Cybersecurity

More than half of states moving on Real ID

Although the program is controversial, 27 states are likely to meet milestones.

Modernization

DHS to vendors: Help us shield dot-gov domain

The Homeland Security Department wants information from companies on their solutions that could be used to protect the government's domain used by civilian agencies.

Modernization

IT central to debate over Real ID, PASS ID

Backers of a new driver's license security program say the current Real ID program's costly IT requirements are unnecessary and won't work for states.

Cybersecurity

DHS earns kudos for tightening security on intelligence systems

The Homeland Security Department has improved the security of its top-secret/sensitive compartmented information systems, the department's inspector general has found.

Cybersecurity

Obama could ramp up E-Verify

The controversial E-Verify employment verification program continues to frustrate critics and supporters with its patchy progress this year. But that could change if President Barack Obama makes it a key piece of an upcoming overhaul of immigration policies.

Cybersecurity

Personal data requirements raise eyebrows

Privacy advocates are wondering why DHS needs to store data on mother's maiden name and financial history to allow employees and contractors regular building access.

Modernization

Cyberattacks could have been mitigated

Agency responses to cyberattacks on U.S. government sites demonstrate a need for better coordination between agency security officials and the companies that provide Internet services, experts say.

Cybersecurity

Senate passes E-Verify provision for contractors

The Senate passed a provision to require federal contractors to use the E-Verify program on the same day DHS announced that contractors must use the program starting Sept. 8.

Cybersecurity

Contractors must use E-Verify system

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano today said enforcement of mandatory E-Verify for federal contractors will start September 8.

Cybersecurity

Questions dog DHS plans to upgrade advanced cybersecurity system

Reports in The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal explain the Obama administration's plans and considerations in moving ahead with DHS' next generation tool to protect civilian government computer networks.

Cybersecurity

Senate bill would give DHS $97M above request

The Senate is considering a spending bill for DHS that would phase out Loran in 2010 and spend $97 million more than the White House requested.