Cybersecurity

House panel probes DHS scans of state election tech

Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz wants the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general to look more deeply into reports of unauthorized scans of Georgia's network firewall.

Digital Government

DOD official takes aim at interference from Congress

Frank Kendall, the outgoing and possibly last undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, says congressional attempts to reform acquisition do more harm than good.

Cybersecurity

House leaders back plan to authorize DHS

The Department of Homeland Security hasn't been authorized by Congress since it was created in 2002, but a move to change that is gaining momentum in the House.

Digital Government

DATA Act deadline signals need for upgrades

While most CFO Act agencies expect to hit the May deadline of the DATA Act, some agencies will need to change their accounting practices and upgrade their systems.

People

Cyber plays small role in cordial Mattis hearing

The Senate panel reviewing the nomination of James Mattis, a retired Marine general, to head the Defense Department focused on strategic threats and agency priorities, including Russia, nuclear modernization, the Pentagon budget and to a small extent, cyber.

People

GSA wants more info on Trump's D.C. hotel plans

On the heels of the president-elect's raucous Jan. 11 press conference, the General Services Administration wants more details on the future of the Trump Hotel doing business in a government building.

Cybersecurity

Border wall isn't enough, intel on Russian hacking accurate, DHS nominee says

Retired Marine Lt. Gen. John Kelly, the would-be leader of the Department of Homeland Security told a Senate panel that a border wall is inadequate and embraced the accuracy of U.S. intelligence on Russian cyber intrusions, and information operations.

People

Watchdog: improper workforce incentives could cost VA millions

The Department of Veterans Affairs awards incentives to attract and retain skilled employees in hard-to-fill positions, but their unauthorized and improper uses could lead to millions of dollars in unsupported spending, according to a recent inspector general report.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers, CSIS unveil cyber recommendations for Trump administration

A cybersecurity task force recommended that the Trump administration move quickly to improve and reorganize oversight authorities, elevate the role of the White House cybersecurity coordinator and clarify the cyber defense roles of civilian and military agencies.

Cybersecurity

Senators support intel findings on Russia, call for deterrence policy

Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee expressed support for the intelligence community and its assessment that Russia hacked Democratic Party servers to influence the election and called for more defined cyber deterrence policy.

People

House rule change puts feds at risk of job and pay cuts

The one-year revival of the Holman Rule in the House gives lawmakers the authority to reduce the federal workforce or cut employee pay legislatively.

Cybersecurity

U.S. sanctions Russia and releases hacking report

The Obama administration announced a long-awaited response to Russia's election-related hacking, but many view it as too little too late.

People

What to make of the NDAA's latest DOD reorgs

The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act splits the undersecretary of acquisition, technology and logistics position into two new undersecretary roles -- one focused on acquisition, the other on innovation. What does that mean for the future of defense tech?

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers: Snowden a fabricator, not a whistleblower

Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who stole and leaked sensitive documents was a disgruntled employee and liar who is in league with Russian intelligence, says a newly declassified House Intelligence Committee report.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers warn against weakening encryption

A congressional working group studying encryption has concluded that strong encryption is in the national interest, but needs of law enforcement must be accommodated.

People

Prison sentence for GSA Advantage fraudster

A former Defense Department procurement official will serve nearly three years in prison for stealing and reselling millions of dollars of equipment and material obtained through GSA's online shopping and ordering system.

Cybersecurity

House panel seeks new rules for Stingrays

Technology used by law enforcement agencies to track the location of a cell phone needs to be better regulated, a House report concluded.

Digital Government

DOD watchdog lists top 10 challenges for 2017

The Pentagon Inspector General's office has released its Fiscal Year 2017 Oversight Plan that focuses on 10 performance and management challenges facing the DOD, including cyber.