Federal CIO Kent Announces Cyber Reskilling Academy
Federal CIO Suzette Kent this morning announced creation of the Federal Cyber Reskilling Academy–a joint effort of the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Education, and the Federal CIO Council Workforce Committee–to kickstart the Federal government’s efforts to address gaps in the Federal cybersecurity workforce and help retrain Federal employees. […]
Feds Reach IT Modernization Tipping Point
A new report from MeriTalk and the American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC) finds that Federal finance, IT, and procurement experts believe we’ve reached an IT modernization tipping point. […]
DHS Launches ICT Sector Supply Chain Risk Task Force
The Department of Homeland Security on Oct. 30 announced launch of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Supply Chain Risk Management Task Force, which the agency said is charged with developing “consensus recommendations” to identify and manage risk to the global ICT supply chain. […]
DHS’ Manfra Discusses FISMA Update, Impact to CDM
Jeanette Manfra, assistant secretary for the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications at the Department of Homeland Security, said today that the new update to Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) guidance will place even more accountability on department leaders and reflects an evolution in discussions between agencies and DHS. […]
Space Command Stands Up New PNT Unit
The U.S. Space Systems Command (SSC) established a new acquisition organization focused on advancing military communications (MC) and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities, SSC announced on Nov. 13. […]
Democrats Warn States of ICE’s Quiet Access to DMV Records
Forty bicameral Democrats alerted state governors on Wednesday to a data-sharing policy that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers access to resident records. […]
CISA, FBI Issue Fresh Warning on Evolving Akira Ransomware Tactics
Federal cybersecurity and law enforcement agencies issued updated guidance Thursday warning organizations about evolving tactics used by the Akira ransomware group after it recently claimed over $244 million in ransoms. […]
Experts Say It Could Take Federal Agencies Months to Recover From Shutdown
While the longest government shutdown in U.S. history is officially over, experts are warning that it could take the federal enterprise months – or even years – to recover from shutdown-related disruptions. […]
DOD Establishes CYBERCOM 2.0, Upgrading Cyber Force Model
The Pentagon is rolling out a revised cyber force generation model aimed at increasing the effectiveness of its cyber forces and providing improved operational support to the Joint Force. […]
Congress Is Withholding Funding for VA’s EHRM Program Until Proven Successful
The funding package to reopen the federal government gives the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) $3.4 billion for its Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program, but Congress is withholding 30% of that funding until the VA proves the program can be successful. […]
CISA Warns of Ongoing Cisco Device Attacks, Issues New Patch Guidance
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warned Wednesday that threat actors are continuing to target Cisco devices, issuing new implementation guidance after a large-scale attack earlier this fall. […]
FCC, NTIA Say Slow Spectrum Process Is Ending as New Law Kicks In
Federal spectrum officials say the era of years-long studies and slow-moving coordination is ending, as new congressional deadlines and closer Federal Communications Commission (FCC)–National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) cooperation push the government to free up more airwaves for artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. […]
Army Activates Rapid Anti-Drone Team
The U.S. Army’s Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) activated its first operational team designed to rapidly counter drone threats to military installations. […]
House Votes to End Historic Government Shutdown
The House of Representatives voted 222-209 on Wednesday evening to approve a funding package to reopen the federal government, ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. […]
With 80 percent of every Federal IT dollar spent on life support for legacy systems, the Federal IT community is exploring new options to modernize and innovate – virtualization, cloud computing, Flash technology, software-defined options, shared services, and more. MeriTalk is staying close to the leaders on the front lines, bringing you new ideas and lessons learned.
And, as Federal IT leaders work to meet demands of an “always-on” highly mobile government, we bring you the stories and breaking news on balancing productivity with security. Our government IT news includes how agencies manage advanced persistent threats, and the steps that help guard against socially engineered threats. We look at the latest trends in malware, spyware, ransomware, and spear phishing. And – how can Federal agencies protect data from tomorrow’s cyber threats?
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