Modernization

Q & A: High-tech cutter reaches milestone

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore expects the first National Security Cutter to receive certification for classified communications in the near future.

Cybersecurity

US-VISIT tests new approaches to exit system

The Homeland Security Department will begin testing two methods for collecting biometric data electronically from non-citizens as they leave through U.S. airports.

Cybersecurity

Audit: TSA has weak IT security controls

The agency took some corrective action in fiscal 2008 but still fell short in critical areas, according to a recent audit.

Modernization

CBP to spend $100M on SBInet

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it will use the money to improve its border surveillance technology and communications.

Modernization

Terrorist Screening Center gets new director

Timothy Healy is the new director of a center that administers the consolidated terrorist watch list database.

Cybersecurity

GAO: Secure Flight improved IT security

The Secure Flight passenger screening program has improved IT security and privacy controls in the last five months, auditors say.

Cybersecurity

Can we trust evaluations?

The government could publish internal evaluations of contractor performance, but in many cases, they are not reliable guides.

Modernization

Napolitano wants millions for IT

Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano told a House committee today about DHS' plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in IT systems.

Modernization

IG: DHS data centers at risk

The Homeland Security Department didn't consider risks from hurricanes when it set up its new backup data center in Mississippi, according to a new report.

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.