Emerging Tech
GAO: Agencies Need to Conduct Cyber Risk Assessments of IoT, OT Devices in Critical Infrastructure Sectors
A Government Accountability Office report found that the agencies responsible for managing infrastructure in the healthcare and public health, energy and transportation sectors need to better assess their cyber risk mitigation strategies.
Digital Government
GDIT Receives $84 Million Contract to Support Traumatic Brain Injury Research
The research and support contract, awarded by the Defense Health Agency, has an eight-month base period with three option years.
Modernization
VA tapped COVID funds to bolster IT and digital services
The VA used supplemental COVID funding from three different bills to support expanded telehealth services and remote operations during the worst of the pandemic.
Defense
DOD creates office to enhance investments in tech vital to national security
The Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital will work with private capital providers to “shape and scale investment in critical technologies.”
Emerging Tech
DOD Creates Office to Enhance Investments in Tech Vital to National Security
The Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital will work with private capital providers to “shape and scale investment in critical technologies.”
Defense
Microsoft, defense firms partnering on modeling and simulation capabilities
Microsoft is collaborating with defense sector companies as DOD seeks to increase its gaming, exercising, modeling and simulation capabilities.
Digital Government
VA Used COVID Relief Funds To Bolster IT and Digital Services
The VA used supplemental COVID funding from three different bills to support expanded telehealth services and remote operations during the worst of the pandemic.
Digital Government
USDA ‘Did Not Establish Performance Goals’ For its Broadband Program, Watchdog Says
A report from the Government Accountability Office found that the Agriculture Department’s ReConnect program lacks set performance objectives and a detailed fraud mitigation framework.
Emerging Tech
Microsoft, Defense Firms Partnering on Modeling and Simulation Capabilities
Microsoft is collaborating with defense sector companies as DOD seeks to increase its gaming, exercising, modeling and simulation capabilities.
Podcasts
Critical Update: Safeguarding Data From Outside Intrusion
The VA is in the process of implementing a zero-trust cybersecurity model to better secure veterans’ sensitive personal data.
Emerging Tech
FCC Bans Sale of New Devices From Chinese Companies Huawei, ZTE and Others
Friday’s order to ban new sales and imports from five Chinese companies is the first time in its history that the agency has blocked the sale of telecommunications equipment on national security grounds.
Policy
FCC’s Spectrum Sharing Proposal Draws Lawmaker Concerns
House Science Committee leaders urged the FCC’s commissioners to refrain from sharing the spectrum band used by NOAA with commercial wireless carriers.
Exclusive
Digital Government
VA Has a Plan to Attract Workers Displaced by Widespread Tech Industry Layoffs
Amid a recent wave of layoffs across the technology sector, the VA is working to position itself as an enticing destination for unemployed tech workers.
Policy
FCC Rule for Blocking Overseas Robocalls Receives Approval
The new requirements are scheduled to go into effect on Dec. 19.
Modernization
House Modernization Leaders Have High Hopes for Tech Proposals, Even as Committee Disbands
The chair and vice chair of the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress told Nextgov they’re hopeful lawmakers will continue to advance their recommendations for improving congressional operations.
Emerging Tech
Almost 9 in 10 Federal Agencies Using or Considering 5G, Per Study
General Dynamics Information Technology’s survey of 500 federal employees identified concerns about costs, cyber risks and integration challenges when it comes to adopting 5G capabilities.
Cybersecurity
Secret Service’s Zero Trust Plan Must Account for OMB Guidance, Watchdog Says
The Secret Service’s plan for adopting a zero trust architecture model across the agency’s systems has not been updated since the Office of Management and Budget released new guidance in January.
Cybersecurity
Iranian Hackers Compromised a Federal Agency’s Network, CISA and FBI Say
Actors linked with the Iranian government were able to exploit an unpatched Log4Shell vulnerability—which the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency asked agencies to address by the end of 2021—in an unnamed agency’s network.
Cybersecurity
DOD Must Enhance Cyber Incident Reporting and Sharing, Watchdog Says
The Government Accountability Office found that the Pentagon “lacks an accountable organization and consistent guidance” for documenting and sharing details about reported cyber incidents.
Cybersecurity