Modernization
Lawmakers push on AI in draft defense bill
The Defense Department's heavy investment in artificial intelligence means more congressional oversight to make sure the emerging tech isn't just a buzzword.
Cybersecurity
Census’ Cybersecurity Plan is Full of Holes, Watchdog Says
The 2020 Census will be a prime target for digital adversaries, but the plans for fighting those threats are incomplete and outdated, the Government Accountability Office found.
Cybersecurity
House committee pushes for a window into cyberwar
A subcommittee mark of the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act requires the military to notify Congress when using its expanded offensive cyber authorities.
Cybersecurity
Secrecy impinges on surveillance lawsuit against NSA
Government lawyers pressed the court to throw out a lawsuit challenging its "Upstream" surveillance program, saying the plaintiffs can't prove their communications were being collected.
Cybersecurity
IG: DHS needs more election tech help, IT patching
The Department of Homeland Security needs additional IT workers to help it assist state and local election officials, as well as patch its internal systems, the agency's IG said in a semi-annual report to Congress.
Digital Government
Homeland Security Watchdog Issues Unusual Retraction of 13 FEMA Reports
Results of self-criticism to be fewer “feel-good” after-action evaluations.
Cybersecurity
Thrift Savings Plan sees uptick in 2FA
TSP users are adopting two-factor authentication, with few opt-outs, officials said.
Modernization
Why CIOs need a seat at the top table
Think of any mission-critical challenge facing any government organization today, and technology is invariably a part of the solution.
People
VA pushes back on health record oversight bill
The Department of Veterans Affairs is opposing a Senate plan to establish an advisory board to conduct oversight of the agency's $16 billion, 10-year plan to implement a commercial electronic health record system.
Cybersecurity
EPA Cybersecurity Weaknesses Are Going Untracked and Unpatched
One EPA employee said their office was tracking vulnerabilities on their own to avoid oversight from other agency components.
Digital Government
Congress focuses on money and staffing in election security
The head of the Election Assistance Commission told lawmakers that it needs more money and people to play its part in defending U.S. elections against cybersecurity risks.
Modernization
Federal Acquisition Service Corrects IT Reseller Price Issues
The agency inspector general said the service took “appropriate corrective actions” to address price variances on Schedules.
Modernization
Shoddy Contracting Practices Lead to Overbilling at EPA
A limited review by the inspector general found the agency had paid of unallowable costs.
Cybersecurity
Postal Service Warns of Fake Delivery Notices
Be cautious of attempted or intercepted package notices with links and attachments, the U.S. Postal Service’s inspector general said.
Digital Government
Agencies Agree to Do More to Identify Contractors With Tax Debts
GAO tells contracting officers to keep a closer eye, and IRS and GSA agree.
Cybersecurity
HHS is Shopping For Cellphone Hacking Tools
The tools would likely be used by the HHS Office of the Inspector General for investigations into multimillion-dollar frauds and serious organized crime related to health benefits.
Modernization
What if Congress doesn't want to move OPM?
If Congress doesn't go along with a plan to reorganize the Office of Personnel Management, the agency still plans to push ahead administratively through outsourcing and other strategies.
Cybersecurity
Chemical Safety Board Needs to Consistently Follow Its Cyber Rules, Watchdog Says
Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Inspector General said the agency’s lack of defined policies makes it susceptible to security incidents.
Cybersecurity
Wyden wants answers on hack of voting tech firm
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wants info on whether the penetration of an American voting tech firm referenced in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report is related to a 2016 election day breakdown of e-poll book systems in North Carolina.
Digital Government