Digital Government
NIST completes first release of Smart Grid framework
NIST has introduced an initial set of standards and a framework for creating a new smart energy distribution grid, the first step of a three-phase plan by NIST to develop Smart Grid standards.
Cybersecurity
Maryland wants to be cybersecurity epicenter
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley wants Maryland to be recognized as the leading state for cybersecurity.
Digital Government
FIPS-certified USB drives have security flaws
Vulnerabilities in supposedly secure USB flash drives that received FIPS certification are causing NIST to review the certification process for cryptographic modules.
Digital Government
NIST gets new director at a critical time for the agency
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has become an economic enabler for a nation that is increasingly dependent on IT and the ability to securely share and use information, said newly confirmed administrator Patrick Gallagher.
Cybersecurity
New cybersecurity role for NIST?
NIST would be responsible for developing a plan to coordinate the government's work with international organizations developing cybersecurity standards under a bill approved by the House Science and Technology’s Innovation Subcommittee.
Digital Government
NIST readies Smart Grid security architecture
A cybersecurity working group is developing a security architecture and comprehensive set of security requirements to accompany the Smart Grid framework being developed by NIST's office for Smart Grid interoperability. A preliminary report is expected to be released for comment shortly.
Modernization
Security risks evolve alongside social media
Facebook and Twitter make it possible for government agencies to communicate and interact with the public in ways not possible just two years ago. But these social media tools also create new types of security risks that agencies must anticipate and plan for.
Cybersecurity
Emergency IT authority for FERC gains support
Support is growing for proposals to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission additional authority to act during an emergency involving a cyberattack on the country's electric power system.
Cybersecurity
FERC lays out priorities for Smart Grid standards
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said cybersecurity is among its priorities for standards being developed for the country's next-generation, technology-enabled electric grid.
Modernization
Cloud computing: Is it secure enough?
Government officials should start now to understand the security implications and begin taking steps to protect their organizations as they adopt the cloud computing model.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity: Legislation, new security controls on same track
New catalog of information and security controls co-developed by NIST, the Pentagon and the intelligence community, along with information security legislation gaining traction in Congress, are expected to significantly improve federal cybersecurity standards.
People
House passes bills on technology, science
The House has approved bills designed to strengthen federal agencies' cooperation on international science and technology research and on domestic science education.
Cybersecurity
Smart grid standards released
The government has released a list of 16 interoperability and security standards for the smart electric grid.
Modernization
DNSsec deadline looms
A requirement for all agencies to apply a security fix to their Web sites by the end of the year might catch some agencies by surprise.
Cybersecurity
Federal 100 winner: Matthew P. Barrett
Matthew Barrett leads the NIST team that operates SCAP, the National Vulnerability Database, the National Checklist Program and the SCAP Laboratory Accreditation program.
Modernization
NIST creates cloud-computing team
The team will identify possible risks to federal agencies that use the emerging technology and determine how to make it secure, a NIST official said.
Modernization
Senate to vote on Stimulus cut for IT
Sens. Nelson and Collins are promoting an amendment that would cut $83 billion from the stimulus package, including reductions in major IT items.
Digital Government
The FCW mailbag
Read our readers comments and find out how you can be a part of the discussion.
Digital Government
NIST calls for research on innovative technology
NIST is collecting reports on topics such as alternative energy, personal medicine and nanotechnology before awarding funding through the Technology Innovation Program.
Cybersecurity