Digital Government
White House Budget Seeks to Bolster US Tech Development, Modernize Standards
The Biden administration’s fiscal year 2024 budget request would, in part, boost federal spending to address “the ongoing cyber threat” and “modernize services” across government.
Modernization
Official: VA’s Legacy EHR Must Be Maintained, But Not a Long-Term Solution
The official cautioned that “modernization would require VistA be rewritten almost from scratch.”
Cybersecurity
USCYBERCOM’s Operations Have Strengthened Allies, Agency Lead Says
Gen. Paul Nakasone, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that the agency’s cyber partnerships have helped to build “tremendous confidence between nations.”
Cybersecurity
State Should Evaluate Global Anti-Cybercrime Efforts, GAO Says
A watchdog report said the State Department should take the lead in determining the effectiveness of federal agencies’ partnerships with international allies to combat digital crimes.
Cybersecurity
Ransomware Payments Decreased in 2022 as Criminals Used Other Extortion Tactics
A report from Recorded Future found that, even as ransomware continues to pose a global challenge for individuals and organizations, threat actors are increasingly using other methods to steal sensitive data and demand payments from victims.
Cybersecurity
National Cyber Strategy Seeks to Shift Burden from Consumers to Tech Firms
The strategy calls for Congress to pass legislation that would “shift liability onto those entities that fail to take reasonable precautions to secure their software.”
Modernization
VA’s New EHR System ‘Continues to Burn Money,’ Top Republican Says
The U.S. comptroller general told members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee that VA has spent “over $1.7 billion dollars for failed predecessor electronic healthcare record systems” prior to the new Oracle Cerner EHR system.
Artificial Intelligence
DOD’s Cyber Mission Depends on Skilled Workforce, Streamlined Tech, Officials Say
As the Pentagon works to implement zero trust architecture and a forthcoming national cybersecurity strategy, DOD components are moving to prioritize international partnerships, streamline tech capabilities and enhance recruitment and training initiatives to meet current needs.
Cybersecurity
Cyber Criminals Are Increasingly Exploiting Cloud Environments, Report Finds
A new CrowdStrike report found that hackers and digital adversaries are relying less on malware, and more on unpatched vulnerabilities and data weaponization.
Cybersecurity
CISA Director Calls Out Industry Using Consumers as Cyber 'Crash Test Dummies'
The head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said technology companies need to be more proactive when it comes to promoting safety and security.
Cybersecurity
CISA Urges 'Increased Vigilance' for Cyber Threats on Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
As Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine reaches its one-year anniversary, CISA has warned that the U.S. and European nations “may experience disruptive and defacement attacks against websites in an attempt to sow chaos and societal discord.”
Defense
Pentagon didn't check risks before authorizing cloud services, watchdog finds
An audit conducted by the Defense Department’s inspector general found agency components “may be unaware of known vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks associated with operating their systems or storing their data.”
Digital Government
After a Decade of Noncompliance, DOJ Issues Report on Federal Website Accessibility
The release of the Justice Department’s first Section 508 report since 2012 comes after lawmakers raised bipartisan concerns about agencies’ continued inability to meet federal technology accessibility standards.
Artificial Intelligence
DOD Official: AI and Autonomy Are Critical to the Future of War
The Pentagon is working to prioritize the ethical and responsible adoption of autonomous technologies across the U.S. military as it works to keep pace with global adversaries.
Digital Government
White House Wants Public Input on Improving Criminal Justice Data Collection
To enhance law enforcement agencies’ data collection and transparency efforts, the government is asking the public to “help us understand the data practices currently in use and those that should be prioritized.”
Cybersecurity
DOD IG: Officials Failed to Identify Security Risks When Authorizing Cloud Services
An audit conducted by the Defense Department’s inspector general found agency components “may be unaware of known vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks associated with operating their systems or storing their data.”
Digital Government
FTC Launches New Office of Technology for ‘In-House Skills’
The launch of the Federal Trade Commission’s tech-focused office comes as federal regulators have ramped up investigations into the practices of large technology companies.
Cybersecurity
Zero Trust Presents 'Doable' Cybersecurity Goals, State Department's CIO Says
To shore up its cyber defenses, State is identifying potential vulnerabilities across its many disparate systems and working to boost its use of multifactor authentication.
Digital Government
VA Announces Winners of $20M Challenge to Prevent Veteran Suicides
The 10 winners of the VA’s Mission Daybreak challenge developed innovative solutions that leveraged technology, artificial intelligence and mobile apps to help reduce the number of veteran suicides.
Cybersecurity