Cybersecurity

Information-sharing platform hacked

A DHS official confirmed that the department's platform for sharing sensitive but unclassified information with partner organizations was recently hacked.

Modernization

DHS plans electronic records management system

The department plans to start a pilot program for a new enterprise records management system in fiscal 2010.

Cybersecurity

Audit: CBP still has problems with IT controls

The Customs and Border Protection agency continues to be weak in IT security, audit states.

Modernization

Building work starts on SBInet

The construction of 17 permanent towers for the SBInet system at the border of Arizona and Mexico started May 4.

Digital Government

Coast Guard to harness ocean data to improve search and rescue

The Coast Guard can use maps of ocean surface currents to track probable paths of shipwreck victims and drifting lifeboats.

Modernization

Does RFID present privacy risks?

Some privacy advocates are concerned that thieves could steal information from RFID-enabled credentials, but others say the fears are overblown.

Cybersecurity

Bills aim to bolster electric grid's cybersecurity

Legislation to be introduced today in the House and Senate would increase the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's authority to protect the country's electricity grid from cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity

Swine flu hearings set; OPM issues guidance

Senate and House panels have scheduled hearings on the disease outbreak, and the Office of Personnel Management has issued advice to federal employees.

Cybersecurity

Auditors: Coast Guard, FEMA weak on controls

The Coast Guard and FEMA still struggle with IT control problems, auditors say.

Cybersecurity

DHS opens Global Entry program to Netherlands

DHS has signed an agreement with the Netherlands to jointly recognize each other's trusted traveler programs for air passengers.

Cybersecurity

Obama picks top DHS intell officer

President Barack Obama plans to nominate Philip Mudd as DHS’ new undersecretary for intelligence and analysis. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will appoint Bart Johnson as principal deputy undersecretary for intelligence and analysis.

Cybersecurity

Experts: Clear data-sharing policies needed

Exports tell a Senate subcommittee that clear governmentwide policies are needed for sharing information believed to be related to terrorism.

Cybersecurity

GAO urges review of ship-tracking plans

The Government Accountability Office wants the Coast Guard to make sure its plans to improve ship tracking electronically for security will add value.

Modernization

Cloud computing moves into public safety

Companies introduce software as a service for communications between fire, police and emergency agencies.

Modernization

CBP updates trade data repository

The agency has updated its Automated Commercial Environment system to take into account new document rules.

Cybersecurity

IG: CBP didn't give auditors enough info on passenger system

DHS' inspector general said he did not receive enough information to fully assess the privacy and security enhancements to Customs and Border Protection's airline passenger database.

Cybersecurity

DHS seeks nuclear detection research

The Homeland Security Department plans to award $3 million for exploratory research on nuclear detection technologies.

Cybersecurity

DHS grants total millions for IT

The Homeland Security Department announces $970 million in state and local grants that include funding for IT items such as port identification cards, truck-tracking systems and the Real ID Act.

Cybersecurity

Obama picks leader for DHS directorate

Robert "Rand" Beers would lead the Homeland Security Department's National Protection and Programs Directorate, which includes DHS' cybersecurity programs.

Cybersecurity

FEMA publishes reorganization details

The agency describes details of its recent reorganizations and says the changes do not effect its substance.