People
Hundreds of DHS staff face reassignments to border security, immigration
Affected workers — including people in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency — have been given a week to respond or risk termination from federal service.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
‘Widespread’ breach let hackers steal employee data from FEMA and CBP
A Citrix vulnerability — suspected to have led to firings of multiple FEMA technology staff — enabled the breach, which let hackers pilfer data from FEMA servers connected to states at the southern border.
Cybersecurity
FEMA begins security overhauls following cyber incident and employee firings
The agency recently blocked users from accessing multiple websites and made password changes to an internet security tool in efforts to shore up its cyber posture, people familiar say.
People
Noem terminates 24 FEMA workers for failing to address cyber vulnerabilities
An internal FEMA email obtained by Nextgov/FCW ordered all agency employees to change their passwords “due to recent cybersecurity incidents and threats.”
Digital Government
Nationwide test of Wireless Emergency Alert system could test people’s patience–or help rebuild public trust in the system
COMMENTARY | The Oct. 4 text message is supposed to reach all compatible devices in the U.S. It could shed light on how government agencies can improve their emergency communications.
Digital Government
Biden administration inches ahead on 'life experiences' projects
The White House shared updates on cross-agency projects designed to improve and streamline government service delivery.
Cybersecurity
New bill aims to address private sector cyber risks to FEMA operations
A proposed amendment to the Homeland Security Act would task FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to work with private entities to ensure digital risks to agency operations are mitigated.
Modernization
Mapping cloud to mission
A new report from the Partnership for Public Service highlights how federal agencies have capitalized on cloud technology and how those lessons can help others evolve.
Digital Government
Bill aims to create one disaster recovery assistance application
Simplifying the application process would remove the burden on disaster survivors seeking federal assistance in the wake of hurricanes, floods, wildfires and more, lawmakers say.
Cybersecurity
DHS faces uphill climb with financial systems modernization
The agency made some awards on a long-delayed financial management modernization effort earlier this month, but years of work awaits the agency on establishing an enterprisewide system.
Cybersecurity
Modernized FEMA system still has legacy data issues
Although the Federal Emergency Management Agency's recent modernization of a 30-year-old flood insurance system works well, it still uses old legacy data, according to a new report.
Cybersecurity
House's DHS funding bill would create public-private cyber center
The legislation would give $2.25 billion to DHS' cyber wing and set up an integrated cybersecurity center with other agencies, state and local governments and private industry.
Digital Government
Mapping the PPE supply chain
Ninety days after the COVID-19 emergency declaration, a Senate panel examined how U.S. responders are managing procurement and delivery of needed supplies.
Acquisition
FAA asks employees to round up N95 masks, other PPE
The Federal Aviation Administration put out an email blast to employees at field offices and airport facilities on April 8 looking for medical supplies to share out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Acquisition
National Labs turn to 3D printing for medical supplies
National labs look to 3D printing to ease COVID medical supply chain squeeze, but reports shows need remains stark.
Cybersecurity
McAleenan resignation puts the spotlight on DHS vacancies
Ten of the most senior posts at the Department of Homeland Security are held by acting leaders, and only five have candidates in the Senate confirmation pipeline.
Cybersecurity
IT hampers FEMA's hurricane recovery
As a monster storm churns off the East Coast, the DHS watchdog says IT has hindered the Federal Emergency Management Agency's past recovery efforts.
Cybersecurity
Acting DHS chief plans to unify immigration IT
The Trump administration plans to seek supplemental 2019 and 2020 funds to push its border policies, including IT modernization plans.
Modernization
Cyber exercise shows need for closer federal-state coordination
A joint exercise in Houston last summer highlighted gaps in infrastructure protection.
Cybersecurity