Policy

Women Report from the Frontlines of Federal Cryptocurrency Governance

Over the course of 2021, Congress and the administration have recognized significant benefits from diving into the technology, a trend that looks poised to continue.

Cybersecurity

Senators Ready to Write Clarifying Legislation to Maintain U.S. Leadership in Crypto

Stakeholders fear an overly broad application of the tax provisions beyond virtual currency exchanges.

Cybersecurity

Government Watchdog Welcomes Treasury’s Data Collection on Cyber Insurance Claims

A Government Accountability Office report on the Treasury Department’s role in shaping the market for cybersecurity insurance is expected next spring.

Cybersecurity

U.S. Government Acts Against Alleged REvil Hackers

The Justice Department announced two indictments while the State Department offered $10 million for information on other conspirators. 

Cybersecurity

Treasury Analysis Identifies Cryptocurrency Exchanges Associated With Ransomware

The department is tracking a huge increase in ransomware disclosures but data suggests the events are still grossly underreported.

Emerging Tech

Senate Bill Would Direct Treasury to Assess Crypto Mining Rates and Uses Over Time

The bipartisan legislation would require a Congressional report that dives deep into virtual currency use.

Cybersecurity

Treasury Sanctions First Cryptocurrency Exchange to Combat Ransomware 

The department also emphasized guidance for victim organizations who risk running afoul of enforcers by paying attackers and failing to report incidents.

Cybersecurity

Agencies Unveil Plans to Fight Ransomware—Including Paying for Tips

The State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information about attackers targeting U.S. critical infrastructure.

Cybersecurity

IRS' Use of Special Hiring Authorities Could Be Leading to Skills Gaps, IG Says

The agency has been using emergency authorities to meet staffing goals, but may be compromising on the quality of new hires as a result, according to an inspector general report.

Digital Government

IRS Needs Cybersecurity Tools to Secure Its COBOL Apps

The tax collection agency runs some of the oldest IT systems in government and needs cybersecurity tools to match.

Digital Government

Here Are the Pioneering Women who Will Be on New Quarters

Beginning in 2022, women’s faces will appear on quarters for the first time, and the public will help choose who will be minted.

Emerging Tech

Treasury Office Seeks Tools to Trace Cryptocurrency Linked to Sanctions List

The department’s Office of Global Targeting is looking for multiple tools to track the flow of virtual currencies and user behaviors.

Cybersecurity

The Hack Roundup: White House Sanctions Russia over SolarWinds

Agencies involved in response also issued advisories on the hackers' tactics while Microsoft offered federal customers free trials of an auditing tool.

Modernization

Treasury’s $1B Cloud Contract Aimed at Single Cloud Broker

Contracting officials released a new clarification document as the department continues preliminary work on a broad cloud management contract.

Modernization

IRS Offers First Look at $2.6B Contract Touching All Its IT Systems

The new Enterprise Development, Operations Services contract will include developing new systems and improving the efficiency of existing applications.

Cybersecurity

The Hack Roundup: Justice Department Confirms Email Breach

During an extraordinary day of unrest in the Capitol, here are the news and updates you may have missed.