Cybersecurity

NIST pledges 'global acceptability' in crypto standards

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is trying to reassert its credibility as a trusted technical agency when it comes to cryptographic standards, almost three years after Edward Snowden's disclosures.

Modernization

GSA seeks input on cloud services contract

New government-wide acquisition vehicle would cover “all cloud computing services and cloud computing service-based solutions.”

Modernization

Agency IT managers welcome FedRAMP changes

Top federal IT managers and cloud management experts say recent changes to the FedRAMP program could make life easier.

Digital Government

A fast lane for FedRAMP

General Services Administration unveils plans for "FedRAMP Accelerated," and seeks public comment on new way to get providers to "FedRAMP-ready" status.

Modernization

Has DOD hit its limit on sharing spectrum?

A new DARPA challenge seeks to help defense and commercial wireless users cohabitate on airwaves, but DOD's CIO warns "there is a physical limitation to how fast we can move" to free up frequencies.

Cybersecurity

NPPD to become Cyber Infrastructure Protection

The reorganization of DHS's cyber agency aims to showcase spectrum of physical and IT protections.

Modernization

Coming soon: A faster FedRAMP

The director of the FedRAMP cloud service authorization program offered a preview of what's on tap for the coming reboot.

Cybersecurity

Why DHS might hack your agency

The NCCIC's hands-on "red team" cybersecurity testing service group is planning two new threat services that federal agencies can use to find security gaps.

People

Rung: Category management needs sustained vision

The top federal procurement official says the year-old category management initiatives have taken hold, but the acquisition community should take a longer view.

Digital Government

New computer models promise better analysis of underground nuclear tests

New detection technique from LLNL can hone remote analysis of underground nuclear explosions and help find rogue regimes' secret test sites.

Cybersecurity

FBI, NHTSA issue warning on vehicle hacks

Agencies officially warn that cars and other motor vehicles are increasingly vulnerable to hacking.

Digital Government

DARPA looks to play games with a purpose

Agency announces proposers day for social research projects using massive online gaming and educational communities.

Cybersecurity

CIO shuffle: Senior tech leaders detailed to OPM, OMB

Deputy CIOs at DHS and OMB detailed to temporary positions, as part of a move to fill an IT leadership gap at the Office of Personnel Management.

Digital Government

Are federal web sites too subtle?

Agency websites sometimes offer too many choices, and can be hard to distinguish from private-sector sites, according to public feedback gathered by 18F's design team.

Modernization

D.C.-area first responders need a clearer path on comms

A GAO report says the group responsible for security in National Capital Region needs better coordination on making emergency communications interoperable.

Digital Government

FAA tweaks rule making process for private drones

Almost half a million drone owners have registered drone aircraft with the FAA since the beginning of the year, prompting the agency to adapt its approach to another UAS rulemaking.

Cybersecurity

DHS edging off GAO's high risk list

DHS has made significant progress towards solving the management issues that have kept it on the GAO's high risk list for years, but lawmakers look to ensure that progress continues.

People

The soft spots in IT security? People and old tech

People and aging IT are enduring security risks -- but efforts are underway to better address both at federal agencies.

Cybersecurity

Crypto battle presents 'hard choices,' says federal CIO

Federal CIO Tony Scott favors strong encryption, but sees a place for "narrow exceptions" for law enforcement.

Acquisition

More federal open source appreciated, if it behaves

The tech industry welcomes more open-source software in the federal government, but with a few caveats.