Cybersecurity
Lawmakers seek answers on security application release by USPS
Two Democrats on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee want details on how a former CIA officer's federal security clearance application ended up in the hands of a political action committee.
Digital Government
Key open gov deadline nears with no public action
Can stakeholders and activists take this White House at its word that it is sincerely interested in advancing open data and open government policy?
Cybersecurity
The IRS can do more with its fraud detection system
A GAO audit found that the tax agency's Return Review Program has made strides in recent years that can be applied to number of other enforcement activities.
Cybersecurity
Senator Urges a Roving Cyber Auditor
A governmentwide inspector general would have a broader view of cyber deficits than individual agency IGs, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., says.
Digital Government
FCC chairman: truth about site failure should have come out sooner
Ajit Pai told lawmakers that he couldn't alert the public to an event incorrectly designated as a cyberattack without jeopardizing a federal investigation.
People
GAO presses OPM for better data on employee misconduct
A new report from the GAO flags multiple holes in the way OPM collects for employee misconduct. OPM thinks GAO doesn’t understand the law.
Digital Government
When government websites fail
The FCC’s site went down last year not because of a DDoS attack, but because it couldn’t handle the traffic spike. So who’s responsible for making sure that doesn’t happen?
Modernization
Sen. Markey wants details on cyber threats to the U.S. grid
In letters to federal agencies and power companies, Sen. Edward Markey wants more information on reports of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in U.S. power systems.
Digital Government
The Government’s Paperwork Problem is Undermining Public Trust
An audit suggests agencies are doing a poor job of assessing the burden their information requests place on the public.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Call for Broad Changes at VA After Report of Mar-a-Lago Members’ Influence
One top committee member launches investigation into alleged undue policy-making involvement.
Cybersecurity
FCC IG Says the Alleged Net Neutrality DDoS Attack Never Happened
An internal investigation found the agency’s commenting system was knocked offline by “system design issues” and “‘flash crowd’ activity,” not hackers.
Digital Government
Watchdog: Agency CIOs Still Don’t Have Mandated Authorities
A Government Accountability Office report shows few agencies have policies giving chief information officers the authorities they need to be successful.
Digital Government
Government’s IT Watchdog on the Tech Challenges He Leaves Behind
After 16 years, the Government Accountability Office’s IT Director Dave Powner has seen federal technology improve but here’s what he hopes agencies and Congress continue to work on.
Digital Government
Shoddy IT is Limiting FEMA's Ability to Respond to Disasters, IG Says
Some of the outstanding recommendations go back to 2005, just after Hurricane Katrina.
Cybersecurity
NSA Hasn’t Implemented Post-Snowden Security Fixes, Audit Finds
The spy agency also fell short on numerous information security requirements, according to its first public audit overview.
People
Powner to exit GAO
After 16 years working at the Government Accountability Office, IT oversight expert Dave Powner is taking his talents to MITRE.
Digital Government
Officials push for more election security dollars
A $380 million appropriation for election security is going to run out before the November elections, and House Democrats and some state officials are looking to renew the funding.
Cybersecurity
IRS makes infosec strides after Get Transcript breach, but challenges remain
IRS officials charged with protecting and authenticating taxpayer data are getting better at their jobs – but so are fraudsters.
Cybersecurity
IRS Has A Plan to Verify Taxpayers’ IDs. Now It Needs to Do It.
The agency has a plan to improve taxpayer authentication but needs to work out details on funding and execution, according to a government watchdog.
Digital Government