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.

Cybersecurity

'Noisy' cyberattacks have little effect

The attacks, which spiked late July 6 and early July 7, are not particularly sophisticated and can be mitigated by organizations that are prepared for them, experts say.

Modernization

FEMA plans consolidation of IT support contracts

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says it will consolidate the ways it contracts for systems engineering support and technical assistance.

Cybersecurity

Coast Guard unit to outsource metrics management

The Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center will hire a contractor to implement its Earned Value Management program.

Cybersecurity

Registered Traveler customers file class-action lawsuit

Two law firms have filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of customers of a private operator of Registered Traveler services that shut down abruptly in late June.

Cybersecurity

Fate of Registered Traveler data up in air after vendor quits program

TSA appears to be distancing itself from the handling of personal data for a Registered Traveler program that suddenly shut down.

Cybersecurity

Contract change puts personal data at risk

Thousands of customers are wondering what will happen to the fingerprint and personal data they provided to a Registered Traveler operator who went out of business.

Cybersecurity

Two familiar snags await DHS

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano must define inherently government work and find the people to do the insourced work.

Cybersecurity

DHS contracts in line for evaluation

All new professional services contracts worth more than $1 million will be reviewed, including PACTS.

Cybersecurity

DHS names PACTS winners

The Homeland Security Department has awarded the $1.5 billion PACTS contract for professional services.

Digital Government

DHS to sweep up more data on employees, contractors

DHS says it is expanding the types of personal information it will collect on employees and contractors who require long-term access.

Modernization

How DHS cut costs: Software recycling, contract consolidation

DHS has cited savings from recycling software, consolidating contracts and pursuing other cost-cutting measures.