Modernization

FTC's Tech and Cyber Modernization Sees Success and Ongoing Challenges

The agency’s report indicated that the Federal Trade Commission was on track and making progress towards most of its tech-related goals, while offering a plan for future goals.

Cybersecurity

OMB Memo Places Zero Trust at the Top of Civilian Agency Priorities

The memorandum sets up budget expectations for previously established cyber goals.

Cybersecurity

Report: Government Implementing Zero Trust Architecture Faster than Corporations

Government’s speedy zero trust implementation is noteworthy for an institution that is “not usually ahead of the curve,” according to a report.

Cybersecurity

NIST, CISA Finalizing Guidance for Identity and Access Management Post-SolarWinds

The epic intrusion campaign has turned up the brights on vendors providing authentication services, but agencies will still need to be actively engaged for effective implementation.

Emerging Tech

Key Lawmaker: Digital Passport Only Way to Deter Crypto Use for Ransomware Attacks

The House Science subcommittee chairman—a REAL ID enthusiast—is probing the viability of “privacy enhancing technologies” for biometric data such as facial-feature mappings.

Modernization

VA Enables Login.gov for Three Major Veteran Portals

Officials said the agency plans to add more services later this year, though Login.gov credentials won’t be mandatory until all veterans are transitioned.

Cybersecurity

FBI, DOJ Seize Website Addresses, Associated Illegal Data Sales, Hacking Services

International law enforcement targeted and confiscated three internet domain names that sell cyberattacks and personal information.

Emerging Tech

Bill Wants More Federal R&D In Blockchain Ledger Technology

The National R&D Strategy for Distributed Ledger Technology Act, introduced Tuesday, aims to allocate government resources to help the U.S. establish leadership with distributed ledger technologies.

Ideas

Debunking Myths Around Facial Recognition: What Government Agencies Need to Know 

Government use of facial recognition technology provides its fair share of controversy, as well as tangible benefits.

Cybersecurity

CISA’s Newest Advisor Could Soon Have Agencies Asking: 'Does This Spark Joy?'

Another CISA advisor has referred to Bob Lord as a “digital Marie Kondo,” tidying up the Democratic National Committee by throwing out old software and unused tech.

Cybersecurity

Report Finds Identity Fraud Up 167% In USPS Change Of Address Requests

The USPS Office of the Inspector General recommends stricter identity verification controls online, while management disagrees.

Emerging Tech

Apple Wallet goes live for ID verification at TSA checkpoint

Arizona is the first to integrate Apple’s biometric verification at airport security checkpoints.

Emerging Tech

IARPA Project Aims to Identify People from Drones by More Than Just Their Face

“It'll be interesting to see in a year or two from now,” according to the program manager.

Cybersecurity

Federal Agencies Lean On Multifactor Authentication As Key Security Component

Public sector officials discussed how strong identity verification technology plays a key role in supporting agency collaboration and data protections. 

Cybersecurity

Security Specialists: Microsoft’s Discounted Logging Offering Warrants Scrutiny 

The log management tool Microsoft is marketing as a way for agencies to fulfill administration requirements for network visibility could contribute to a risky ‘monoculture,’ according to cybersecurity professionals.

Cybersecurity

Treasury Considering State and Local Grants to Implement Digital ID Systems

The effort to stimulate widespread use of digital identification is aligned with a White House order on cybersecurity and could help defend against ransomware attacks, officials said.

Emerging Tech

GSA Working to Expand on Social Security Administration’s Digital Identity System  

There’s a solid cybersecurity argument for electronic verification, but equity can’t be neglected, observers say.

Digital Government

GSA Wants a Real Person Associated With Every SAM Registration Before Fiscal Year’s End

Every organization doing business with the government will have to name a real person as account administrator and go through a three-point ID proofing process.

Cybersecurity

FCC Working on Rule for Wireless Carriers to Avert SIM Swap Fraud

More than a year after lawmakers requested such action to protect consumer data and national security, the commission’s move could help to stop hackers undermining multifactor authentication.

Digital Government

Education Department Updates Rules and Criminal Penalties for Accessing Agency Data

A new filing updates the department’s policies on who can access IT systems and data, as well as the fines and prison terms for unauthorized access or failing to secure data.