Modernization
Dam cyber: Interior IG closes out audit of hydroelectric control systems
In a follow-up to a June report, auditors did not discover additional vulnerabilities in the Interior Department's management of five hydroelectric dams.
Cybersecurity
TSA preps tech to track Cuba charter flights
TSA is looking to data sources inside and outside its operations to fold into a new tracking tool to get a better handle on charter aircraft traveling from Cuba into the U.S.
People
Can TBM make IT investment reporting less painful?
Some agencies are wary of more data calls, but OMB leaders say the Technology Business Management framework could provide better insights and streamline compliance efforts.
Modernization
VA Creates Special Office to Direct $16B Health Record Overhaul
The House Veterans Affairs Committee also unveiled the lawmakers who will track the project from its new subcommittee.
Cybersecurity
DHS: Agencies need greater authority to protect tech supply chain
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security told a congressional committee that they would support additional authorities to better emphasize security in technology supply chain management throughout the federal government.
Cybersecurity
Why it's time for a major tech overhaul of the classification system
In a new report, the chief of the Information Security Oversight Office warns that the system by which critical security information is created, classified and shared is overburdened by a reliance on paper, legacy policies and incompatible tech.
Cybersecurity
Senators vexed by slow pace of Spectre/Meltdown disclosures
At a Senate hearing, lawmakers expressed frustration about delays in notifying government about the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities, and they want to see a change industry's approach after discovering flaws.
People
The government reorganization plan: There may be a pony in there after all
Attention and criticism have focused on the proposed org-chart changes, Alan Balutis notes, but the real opportunities lie elsewhere.
Cybersecurity
DOJ backtracks on linking OPM hack to fraud case
The Justice Department acknowledged that a news release connecting a fraud case with the massive data theft of employee data at OPM was "premature."
Cybersecurity
There’s Even More Bad News About IRS Information Security
A board charged with overseeing the agency’s sprawling active directory networks isn’t fulfilling its basic responsibilities.
Cybersecurity
Auditor Dings CFPB Complaint System for Poor Identity Management
The system is doing better on patching vulnerabilities and continuously monitoring activity for anomalies.
Modernization
NTIA blocks China Mobile's bid for U.S. presence
The NTIA tells the FCC that China Mobile is a potential national security threat if it is allowed to provide international services from the U.S.
Modernization
Watchdog: GSA isn't clearing all contactors for work on telecom transition
According to an oversight memo, GSA didn't complete required background checks on all contractors working on transition duties for the $50 billion Enterprise Infrastructure Systems contract.
People
Lankford dishes on the future of the federal workforce
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) spoke with FCW about his workforce priorities as well as the White House's reorganization plan.
People
Lawmakers question goals of reorganization plan
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle raised concerns about various aspects of the White House's plan to structurally reorganize the federal government.
Acquisition
MGT money zeroed out in Senate funding bill
After receiving $100 million in funding last year, money for the Technology Modernization Fund in fiscal year 2019 may not be a sure thing.
Cybersecurity
IRS’ Rush to Secure Exposed Taxpayer Data Left It Vulnerable Again
Personal information about more than 350,000 taxpayers was compromised in 2015. Three years later, it’s still not secure.
Cybersecurity
Audit finds another cyber headache for IRS
Two years after the Get Transcript breach, officials at the tax agency are still getting dinged for insufficient protection of sensitive taxpayer data.
Digital Government
Congress Lays Out Tech Funding in Spending Bills and Focuses on Supply Chain Threats
It's a busy week ahead for Congress.
People