Modernization

GAO: OMB’s Data Center Policy Puts Agencies’ Networks at Risk of Cyberattacks

The administration pushed back hard against the assertion, going so far as to request GAO remove cybersecurity from its latest report.

Modernization

GSA to Partner with GAO in Latest Centers of Excellence Partnership

The General Services Administration intends to help the Government Accountability Office stand up an innovation lab.

Digital Government

Government Issued $175 Billion in Improper Payments, Watchdog Says

Despite laws and technology changes, federal agencies saw increased losses from fiscal 2018. 

Digital Government

Congress questions Navy's plan to build large drone ships before full testing

The Navy wants to increase production of unmanned surface vessels, but Congress remains wary of long-term success.

Digital Government

VA health record go-live pushed back to July

The Department of Veterans Affairs is delaying a planned initial deployment of its $16 billion electronic health record project by four months, but is promising added functionality at the go-live date.

Cybersecurity

TRANSCOM head says contractors struggle with advanced persistent threats

The lead general for TRANSCOM threw support behind the Defense Department's impending unified cybersecurity standard for contractors, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, as contractors struggle with advanced persistent threats.

Digital Government

Data Center Issue Prompts GAO to Revert Redesigned Website Back to an Old Version

The new site’s host company, Contegix, is still working to resolve the technical difficulties, a GAO official said.

Cybersecurity

Government-Run Energy Company Keeps Reeling in the Same Employees in Phishing Training

The Tennessee Valley Authority has a good initial phishing training program in place but lacks real consequences for those that fail.

People

Oversight chair reignites probe into controversial Trump aide

Security clearance concerns are raised after Trump rehires ousted aide for key personnel job

Cybersecurity

Despite improvement, Thrift Board infosec needs work

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board still has not "fully developed and implemented an effective, organization-wide information security program."

Modernization

AWS looks to expand record in JEDI lawsuit

A recent filing also takes a hard look at the timing of Defense Secretary Mark Esper's recusal in the case.

Cybersecurity

Congressman floats 'FITARA-like' scorecard to measure security clearance process

A significant reduction in the backlog of security clearance investigations over the past two years has contractors feeling more optimistic, but concerns about lengthy adjudications and reciprocity between federal agencies still linger.

Cybersecurity

Schumer to TSA: Delete your (TikTok) account

The Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security, TSA's parent agency, have already banned the video-sharing app from federally owned devices, citing risks associated with TikTok's Chinese ownership.

Digital Government

One Month Out, Watchdog Warns About Census IT and Cybersecurity Challenges

The Census Bureau this month switched the internet response system that respondents will use to complete the 2020 census questionnaire. The last-minute change worries the Government Accountability Office.

Cybersecurity

Coming Cyber Commission Report Loaded with 75 Ways to Improve Security—Plus the Bill Proposals

Key lawmaker highlighted recommendations focused on Congressional reform and a new type of information sharing.

Modernization

VA looks to boost health record spend to modernize infrastructure

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an 82% increase in 2021 spending on the massive electronic health record modernization as part of a move to increase the tempo of the project, account for infrastructure gaps and implement a scheduling solution.

Cybersecurity

CISA "not well-positioned" to execute nationwide election security strategy in 2020

Resource constraints and a reorganization have prevented CISA from rolling out its election security plans for 2020, but states still give the agency high marks.

Digital Government

Obama team couldn't cope with Russian election meddling, report says

The administration did not view cyber activities by Russia as part of a larger overall campaign and limited information-sharing efforts in ways that inhibited a more cohesive response.

Cybersecurity

FBI still not pushing for encryption legislation

FBI Director Christopher Wray declined to say whether he would endorse legislation that would create a pathway for law enforcement to access encrypted apps and devices.