People

GAO: TSA still hasn't fixed Secure Flight

The agency has not developed complete systems requirements for Secure Flight or done essential systems testing, a report finds.

Cybersecurity

DOD toughens up wireless LAN security rules

Besides tougher and encryption standards, the new policy also requires intrusion detection systems that can geo-locate hackers or rogue access points.

Modernization

Walker: Limit the information agencies collect

Limiting the personal information that is collected and restricting the information that is stored are practical measures for avoiding information breaches.

Cybersecurity

VA conducts security review of laptop PCs, bars nondepartment PCs from VPN

Agency has also suspended the practice of permitting employees in the Veterans Benefit Administration from removing claims files from office computers and working on them at home.

Cybersecurity

DOD data center worked overtime on stolen personnel files

Data specialists spent last weekend sifting through records to determine that the missing Veterans Affairs database also contained info on active-duty personnel.

Modernization

GPO seeks vendor to run D.C. identity card facility

The cards are part of a Homeland Security Presidential Directive requiring agencies to issue standard ID credentials to all employees and contractors.

Cybersecurity

VA hit with two class-action suits over data theft

The Consumer Coalition for Health Privacy has also asked HHS to conduct a privacy review of health data.

Modernization

DISA seeks input on insider threat tools

The Defense Information Systems Agency seeks a tool that could counter insider threats to DOD information systems.

Modernization

Sign-ups for FirstGov’s e-mail alerts, RSS increase

FirstGov.gov has become a popular Web site for its e-mail alerts, especially since the personal information of millions of U.S. veterans was stolen.

Cybersecurity

Postal Service plans HSPD-12 buy

USPS will prequalify vendors to oversee the implementation of its personal identity verification card system.

Cybersecurity

VA names new info security czar

Department taps Marine Vietnam vet and former Arizona county attorney for key slot.

People

Appian supplies management software for DISA e-commerce

Appian will provide business process management software for the Defense Information Systems Agency's e-procurement system.

Cybersecurity

Senate hearing: VA data theft should be wake-up call

Panel criticizes agency for waiting three weeks before alerting veterans to security breach

Cybersecurity

VA chief vows "relentless" exam of data protection policies

Every agency employee will be required to complete cybersecurity and information privacy courses by June 30.

Cybersecurity

VA needs 26 million envelopes, fast

Department plans mass mailing to inform all vets of data theft.

People

Extra funds could help USGS map portal flourish

More money would help the U.S. Geological Survey’s Geospatial One-Stop overcome interoperability issues among federal, state, local and private organizations.

Modernization

VA cannot allay vets' fear of identity theft

Rep. John Salazar (D-Colo.) introduced legislation May 23 to provide free credit monitoring and credit reports for veterans and others affected by the computer or data theft.

Cybersecurity

Americans want better data security laws

An April survey of 1,150 adults found that less than one in five believe that existing laws are sufficient to protect them on the Internet.

People

OMB reminds agencies to secure information

Agencies told to review policies for safeguarding personal information and include the findings in their upcoming FISMA reports due this fall.

Cybersecurity

Gossip lands Education hacker in jail

Kenneth Kwak admitted he installed software on his supervisor’s computer that allowed him free access to his boss’ e-mail messages and Internet activity.