Cybersecurity
GAO: Communication Breakdowns Hurt Otherwise Positive View of Federal Ransomware Support
State, local, tribal and territorial governments have “generally positive views” of agencies’ ransomware assistance, but cited “inconsistent communication” from the FBI as a challenge.
Acquisition
IT spend reporting requirements still stuck at halfway point, watchdog finds
The Government Accountability Office report found that agencies failed to disclose approximately $31 billion in fiscal year 2021 investments under the two layers of the Technology Business Management framework that were required.
Policy
Watchdog Again Pushes GSA to End Contracting Pilot Program
The agency’s inspector general found the Transaction Data Reporting program does not guarantee agencies are getting the lowest contract price alternative.
Digital Government
The Pentagon’s Watchdog Is Taking a Closer Look at Defense’s Records Management and Device Use After Missing Jan. 6 Texts
The acting inspector general shared information about the review in response to a letter from a top senator expressing concerns about handling of messages related to the Capitol insurrection.
Modernization
IT Spend Reporting Requirements Still Stuck at Halfway Point, Watchdog Finds
The Government Accountability Office report found that agencies failed to disclose approximately $31 billion in fiscal year 2021 investments under the two layers of the Technology Business Management framework that were required.
Modernization
Federal Agencies Still Face Several Cloud Challenges, Watchdog Says
Years after prior watchdog reports, agencies still have not fully implemented Government Accountability Office recommendations.
Cybersecurity
Coast Guard Must Address Cyber Workforce Needs, Watchdog Says
The agency is only fully implementing seven out of 12 best practices, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Cybersecurity
Over Half of Operating Systems at VA Medical Center in Texas are Outdated, Watchdog Finds
An audit conducted by the VA’s Office of Inspector General found unaddressed security vulnerabilities and deficient devices at the Harlingen VA Health Care Center.
Digital Government
HHS Needs to Ensure Telehealth Patients and Providers Understand Privacy Risks
An oversight report underscored the need for improved patient privacy and security disclosures following the pandemic-related telehealth boom.
Policy
Federal agencies are ignoring most building safety concerns flagged by DHS
Lawmakers raise concerns about the non-compliance in light of the recent uptick in threats against feds.
Digital Government
Public Health Data Still Facing Challenges Despite Previous Recommendations, Watchdog Says
The Government Accountability Office highlighted deficiencies in common data standards, interoperability and public health IT infrastructure.
Cybersecurity
Watchdog Identifies Multiple Security Deficiencies at VA Medical Center in Louisiana
The VA’s Office of Inspector General found “critical and high-risk vulnerabilities on 37% of the devices” at the Louisiana-based medical center.
People
Archivist confirmation hearing turns to politics behind Mar-a-Lago search
Republicans seized on a traditionally "sleepy" confirmation process to draw attention to the National Archives and Records Administration's involvement in the FBI search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Cybersecurity
Watchdog dings IRS for vendor security lapses
Outdated antivirus software and missing security logs created risks for a key IRS communications platform, according to an inspector general report.
Digital Government
VA ‘Moving Toward Full Compliance’ With Geospatial Data Law, Watchdog Finds
The VA’s Office of Inspector General found said the agency is noncompliant with three of the law’s requirements but is currently in the process of addressing its deficiencies.
Cybersecurity
Nuclear Weapon Development and Manufacturing Needs More Cybersecurity, Watchdog Says
The National Nuclear Security Administration, its contractors and subcontractors need to take cyber steps, according to a new report.
Digital Government
Over $45 billion in unemployment paid to fraudsters during pandemic, watchdog says
The Labor Department's Office of Inspector General says that the department needs to do more to obtain state-level unemployment insurance data to help with antifraud efforts.
Cybersecurity
DOD’s Digital Threats Are Increasingly Interconnecting, Watchdog Warns
GAO identified six areas that require more oversight, as Defense warfighting operations and national security increasingly hinge on data security.
Modernization
VA Official Has 'Deep Concerns' About Agency's EHR Deployment
But leadership at the agency pushed back against projected cost overruns and delays moving forward.
Digital Government