This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights A custom-built messaging app preloaded on special handsets was equipped with a backdoor that allowed law enforcement to decrypted criminals’ messages. Read the original article: How an app to decrypt…
Category: GCN: News, Explainers, Insights
The case for SaaS data backup and ownership
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Backing up SaaS data is extremely important. By capturing data at high frequencies in a cloud data lake they own, federal, local and state governments can better protect their data…
The case for SaaS data backup and ownership
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Backing up SaaS data is extremely important. By capturing data at high frequencies in a cloud data lake they own, federal, local and state governments can better protect their data…
Removing the fear, uncertainty, and doubt around zero trust security
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Zero trust is not a cure-all, but it offers a powerful opportunity for agencies to shore up their cyber defenses. Read the original article: Removing the fear, uncertainty, and doubt…
Study shows AI-generated fake reports fool experts
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights If widely used, these AIs could hinder efforts to defend against cyberattacks — and could set off an AI arms race between misinformation generators and detectors. Read the original article:…
Building digital fitness starts with small steps
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights With the technology now available, agencies can gradually transform without prohibitive levels of effort and expense. Read the original article: Building digital fitness starts with small steps
How to use strategic asset management to optimize an infrastructure windfall
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights The modeling methodology can help governments create an agile view of assets, develop strategies to guide investments and analyze data to model scenarios for applying infrastructure funds in the most…
FDA issues food traceability challenge
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights The Food and Drug Administration has issued a challenge to digitize the data in the food distribution system so contaminated food can be rapidly identified, traced and removed from the…
Sheriff’s office expands data, video options with digital evidence system
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights A cloud-based digital evidence management system has enabled the Galveston, Texas, Sheriff’s Office to improve data collection, storage and sharing. Read the original article: Sheriff’s office expands data, video options…
Next-gen supercomputer lays foundation for exascale
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights The newly unveiled Perlmutter next-generation supercomputer features several key technologies that will be used in future exascale systems. Read the original article: Next-gen supercomputer lays foundation for exascale
SolarWinds hackers launch phishing attack
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights In some cases, the attackers disguised their phishing emails to look as though they came from the U.S. Agency for International Development. Read the original article: SolarWinds hackers launch phishing…
Pennsylvania flips switch on cloud unemployment system
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights This week, Pennsylvania begins migrating its unemployment compensation system from a 40-year-old mainframe to a new cloud-based platform. Read the original article: Pennsylvania flips switch on cloud unemployment system
Choosing the right DOD cloud
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights DOD users have multiple contract vehicles for obtaining commercial cloud offerings, signing on to pre-designed option or building their own. Read the original article: Choosing the right DOD cloud
How a national student database could cheapen the college experience
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights A database that collects information on students’ race, gender, major, income, wealth and debt will help will shift the focus to ensuring that college graduates earn a certain level of…
How Utah secures shared data
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights To combat the rising number of cyberattacks, Utah’s Department of Technology Services is encrypting the data it shares internally and externally with other agencies and private entities. Read the original…
Army reminds remote workers that in-home IoT devices pose security risks
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights To ensure teleworkers aren’t letting their home smart devices listen in on any government work, the Army is requiring they keep their workspaces free of internet of things devices. Read…
Colonial Pipeline forked over $4.4M to end cyberattack — but is paying a ransom ever the ethical thing to do?
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights While law enforcement agencies encourage victims not to pay off attackers, paying ransom is not illegal, and even police departments have been known to pay up when their systems have…
Identity, credentials and behavior are critical to network protection
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights In a post-pandemic economy with employees outside the firewall, agencies must embrace the idea that identity is the new perimeter. Read the original article: Identity, credentials and behavior are critical…
How hot is it? Communities collect heat data
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights About 25 cities this summer will work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to collect data to identify neighborhoods with extreme heat. Read the original article: How hot is…
What the data says about phone use while driving
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Researchers at Texas A&M University found that not only does the frequency of phone use correlate to the number of distracted crashes on urban roads, but there’s a direct link…
Reduce the noise to strengthen agency cybersecurity defenses
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights With up-to-date robust tools, detailed processes and policies and an involved cybersecurity workforce, agencies can reduce the noise in network traffic and spot the hidden and more complex risks and…
Fast computers, 5G networks and radar that passes through walls are bringing ‘X-ray vision’ closer to reality
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Radar sensors can often collect and process large amounts of data – even in harsh environments – and generate high-resolution images of targets. Read the original article: Fast computers, 5G…
Post-pandemic telework infrastructure
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights With a year of remote experience and the prospect of hybrid operations on the horizon, IT leaders are drafting plans for long-term secure access and more effective collaboration. Read the…
Communications board digs into 911 Christmas bombing outage
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights In the wake of the Nashville Christmas bombing that disrupted regional telecom service, the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board has been working with AT&T to ensure a more resilient 911 network.…
Who are you? Rising to the data protection challenge
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Mainframes allow agencies to implement zero trust, multifactor authentication and privileged user access as standard practices, without requiring additional capacity. Read the original article: Who are you? Rising to the…
4 steps to reducing ransomware damage
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Access control and data encryption management is the most effective protection – not only from ransomware, but from insider threats, rogue processes, malware and more. Read the original article: 4…
Shared tactics between emergency response and IT defense
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights The IT security team and the Office of Emergency Management in Arapahoe County, Colo., are working together to improve cybersecurity incident response. Read the original article: Shared tactics between emergency…
Zero-trust security: Assume that everyone and everything on the internet is out to get you — and maybe already has
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights If zero-trust security were widespread, the ransomware epidemic would be much less biting. Read the original article: Zero-trust security: Assume that everyone and everything on the internet is out to…
VR scenarios help DHS research arrest-related fatalities
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights A use-of-force simulation experiment used virtual reality to study factors that might help reduce deadly encounters between law enforcement officers and civilians. Read the original article: VR scenarios help DHS research…
The future of government service delivery is already here
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Citizens will expect the comforts and conveniences of virtual appointments and a world without waiting in line to remain even after the pandemic subsides.. Read the original article: The future…
Shape-shifting computer chip thwarts an army of hackers
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Researchers have developed chip technology that randomizes microarchitecture implementation details to turn the system into a puzzle that hackers must solve before conducting security exploits. Read the original article: Shape-shifting…
Better data helps state, local governments map COVID pandemic’s economic impact
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Data tools developed by Argonne National Laboratory provide insight into estimated losses in fees, taxes and other revenue sources that impact economic activity. Read the original article: Better data helps…
What every state and local CIO should know about grant management
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights The right grant management solution can alleviate short-term administrative burden for workforces, promote long-term economic recovery for governments and future-proof digital transformation efforts. Read the original article: What every state…
Protecting agency assets begins with identity-centric security
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights A privileged-access management platform applies a unified and automated approach to identity, securing privileged sessions, users and assets. Read the original article: Protecting agency assets begins with identity-centric security
NASA runs on data
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Data is at core of the space agency’s digital transformation efforts, and key to advancing everything NASA does, the agency’s chief data officer says. Read the original article: NASA runs…
Turning pictures of buildings into better disaster preparedness
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Scientists are using data from Google Maps and satellite images in artificial intelligence applications that can automatically identify characteristics of city’s buildings that would be vulnerable in a natural disaster.…
Why now is the right time for an open-source serverless strategy
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights In today’s cloud-based, data-intensive, event-driven world, open-source serverless technologies offer an ideal complement to modern application development. Read the original article: Why now is the right time for an open-source…
Huawei cloud, services gain toehold in developing countries
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights A May 17 report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies identified 70 deals in 41 countries between Huawei and foreign governments or state-owned enterprises. Read the original article:…
5G infrastructure faces foundational threats
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Open policies and standards, a protected supply chain and a secure systems architecture can help limit vulnerabilities in 5G networks, according to a new government report. Read the original article:…
How to use statistics to prepare for the next pandemic
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Data-driven planning based upon cultural and demographic factors can help predict how outbreaks could progress and which people may be most vulnerable. Read the original article: How to use statistics…
Report: Phishing behind 70% of government breaches
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Most of the attacks on public-sector organizations came through emailed social engineering campaigns, according to the 2021 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report. Read the original article: Report: Phishing behind 70%…
DISA issues zero-trust architecture guide
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights The framework is designed to reduce the Defense Department’s attack surface and ensure that if a device, network or user is compromised, the damage is quickly contained. Read the original…
Zero trust moves from vision to reality
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights More sophisticated technologies and better access to data are helping agencies pursue dynamic and context-driven security to combat the growing threats. Read the original article: Zero trust moves from vision…
Agencies lack visibility into privileged users. What else are they missing?
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights By investing in tools that help automate processes, understand user behaviors and manage data and system access, agencies can equip users to securely support their missions. Read the original article:…
Nominations now open for the 2021 Government Innovation Awards
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Help us find the best examples of public sector innovation in six critical categories. Read the original article: Nominations now open for the 2021 Government Innovation Awards
Data virtualization helps agencies realize Federal Data Strategy goals
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights A logical data fabric can help government agencies to glean immediate, actionable intelligence from their data, securely share it and leverage it to enable information flexibility and agility. Read the…
Hackers threaten to release police records, knock 911 offline
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Ransomware attacks have taken down 911 systems, prevented officers from checking suspects’ criminal histories during traffic stops and blocked access to investigative files or video, impeding investigations. In some cases,…
In search of better legacy code migration
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency wants ways to not only automate migrating legacy C/C++ code to safer programming languages, but also ensure the code takes the fullest possible advantage…
GSA plans new cloud BPA for all levels of government
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights The General Services Administration is considering a multiple-award blanket purchase agreement that would make cloud infrastructure, storage, software and services available to federal agencies and state, local and tribal governments.…
DARPA seeks climbing, flying robotic radio nodes
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency wants robots that can arrange themselves into traveling 3D mesh networks so squad members can communicate on missions where mobile radio access is unavailable.…
Oklahoma cuts phishing threats with cloud-based email gateway
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights A cloud-based secure email gateway has helped the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services decrease the threat from inbound malware messages. Read the original article: Oklahoma cuts phishing threats…
Cyber EO lays a foundation for securing government
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights The Biden administration’s long-anticipated cybersecurity executive order lays the groundwork for modernizing cyber defenses and protecting critical services from attack by improving incident response and information sharing between the public…
Should TSA be regulating pipeline cybersecurity?
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights In the wake of the ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline’s business systems, lawmakers and government officials are re-examining where the responsibility for the cybersecurity of energy pipelines should be housed.…
Modernize government service delivery with automation
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights To truly modernize complex delivery service operations, government agencies need a unified platform that provides end-to-end automation through various workflow automation capabilities. Read the original article: Modernize government service delivery…
Tweets fuel super-accurate morning traffic prediction
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights A dataset of tweets that captures people’s sleep-wake status, local events and roadway accidents and construction was able to bridge the information gap created by the overnight lull in traffic.…
DOD’s data decrees aim to preserve military’s advantage
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights To transform the military into a data-centric organization, the Defense Department has laid out five “data decrees” to guide data sharing, storage and security. Read the original article: DOD’s data…
Treasury expands list of ‘Do Not Pay’ databases
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Twelve databases will be added to the Treasury Department’s multiagency, governmentwide Do Not Pay portal. Read the original article: Treasury expands list of ‘Do Not Pay’ databases
Security framework for protected data allows researchers to tap Oak Ridge supercomputers
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights CITADEL opens up new opportunities for big data researchers who previously could not access Summit, the nation’s most powerful scientific supercomputer, because of privacy rules. Read the original article: Security…
UI modernization requires more than funding
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights States need more than a one-time cash infusion to support continuous modernization of unemployment insurance systems. Read the original article: UI modernization requires more than funding
DNA ‘Lite-Brite’ is a promising way to archive data for decades or longer
This article has been indexed from GCN: News, Explainers, Insights Using pegs and pegboards made out of DNA and retrieving the data with a microscope — a molecular version of the Lite-Brite toy – researchers have developed a way to…
Energy labs build digital twin for modeling traffic congestion relief, energy savings
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and National Renewable Energy Laboratory have partnered with Chattanooga on the use of simulations to determine controls that would deliver energy efficiency while also optimizing drivers’ travel time, speed and safety. Read the original…
The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and the SolarWinds hack were all but inevitable – why national cyber defense is a ‘wicked’ problem
Recognizing that hackers in the service of foreign adversaries are dedicated, thorough and not constrained by any rules is important for anticipating their next moves and reinforcing and improving U.S. national cyber defenses. Read the original article: The Colonial Pipeline…
FedRAMP OKs remote data center testing
The Federal Risk and Authorization Program is allowing cloud service providers to have their data centers tested remotely. Read the original article: FedRAMP OKs remote data center testing
Keeping communities safe as public spaces reopen
To ensure the safety of residents, agencies should implement communication and collaboration platforms that enable targeted emergency notifications and streamline coordination between responder teams. Read the original article: Keeping communities safe as public spaces reopen
Pipeline attack highlights ransomware threats to infrastructure
The cyberattack against Colonial Pipeline, which led to the precautionary shutdown of fuel pipelines serving the East Coast, underscores the dangers of ransomware. Read the original article: Pipeline attack highlights ransomware threats to infrastructure
Louisiana adds vaccine status to digital driver’s license app
Residents of Louisiana can now have an electronic version of their COVID-19 vaccination records added to their LA Wallet, the state’s digital drivers’ license mobile application. Read the original article: Louisiana adds vaccine status to digital driver’s license app
Agencies struggle to find the right AI solutions
Chatbots and robotic process automation can help agencies rack up quicker wins than more complex deployments of artificial intelligence, but they shouldn’t distract from IT modernization. Read the original article: Agencies struggle to find the right AI solutions
3 ways intelligent virtual assistants will drive citizen services delivery
As the connection between people, technology and process, intelligent virtual assistants overcome the limitations of rudimentary technologies in citizen engagement centers. Read the original article: 3 ways intelligent virtual assistants will drive citizen services delivery
DHS pushes to hire 200 cyber pros
Department of Homeland Security launched its 60-day workforce sprint with an aggressive campaign to hire 200 cyber personnel by July 1. Read the original article: DHS pushes to hire 200 cyber pros
Better info transfer marks step forward for quantum computing
Researchers report major strides in improving the transfer of information in quantum systems, one of the main challenges in constructing viable quantum computers and networks. Read the original article: Better info transfer marks step forward for quantum computing
State laws hint at privacy best practices
Understanding state government privacy laws can give government IT teams an advantage in handling sensitive information. Read the original article: State laws hint at privacy best practices
Open-source tool helps spot gerrymandered districts
GerryChain uses mathematical and computational models to generate a representative collection of maps that would meet legal voting rules and priorities for new districts. Read the original article: Open-source tool helps spot gerrymandered districts
TMF relaxes payback rules for security, IT modernization, pandemic response
The updated model will make a difference by getting more high-priority technology modernization projects funded. Read the original article: TMF relaxes payback rules for security, IT modernization, pandemic response
Integrating open data, open source, cloud drives efficiency
Better integration of three of the federal government’s main strategies — use of cloud, open source software and open data – would collectively benefit their progress, a new report found. Read the original article: Integrating open data, open source, cloud…
DOD expands vulnerability disclosure policy to public networks, IoT devices
The Defense Department is expanding its vulnerability disclosure program to cover all of its publicly available systems, including networks, frequency-based communication, industrial control systems and internet-of-things devices. Read the original article: DOD expands vulnerability disclosure policy to public networks, IoT…
Navy seeks better analytics on facilities’ energy usage
The Navy wants to get a handle on energy consumption by analyzing data from infrastructure meters and building control systems. Read the original article: Navy seeks better analytics on facilities’ energy usage
The new Normals: NOAA releases 30-year climate data
The 2021 Climate Normals show the 30-year weather and climate averages based on observations from federal weather stations and thousands of citizen scientists. Read the original article: The new Normals: NOAA releases 30-year climate data
Data-driven communications lessons from COVID-19
Agencies that embraced data analytics and visualizations during the past year gained powerful communications capabilities that helped them increase transparency, share vital information and improve responsiveness. Read the original article: Data-driven communications lessons from COVID-19
NLM Pillbox put out to pasture
The National Library of Medicine retired its Pillbox program earlier this year after about a decade of providing a quick way for the public, medical workers and law enforcement to identify a pill. Read the original article: NLM Pillbox put…
Better acquisition data would improve DOD oversight
While better data would help the Defense Department more effectively assess investments and risks over time, according to a watchdog official, several challenges exist. Read the original article: Better acquisition data would improve DOD oversight
Earthquake warning network now covers West Coast
The ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system is now available residents of California, Oregon and Washington, reaching 50 million people in the country’s most earthquake-prone region. Read the original article: Earthquake warning network now covers West Coast
Why open source adoption in federal IT is poised to accelerate
As a result of the pandemic’s push toward modernization, new leadership and additional funding sources, support for open standards is growing and may be reaching a tipping point in federal agencies. Read the original article: Why open source adoption in…
Lawmakers seek new probe into AWS JEDI collusion
Letters from Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Attorney General Merrick Garland and acting Defense Department Inspector General Sean O’Donnell asking for information, documents and, in the case of the Justice Department,…
Navy looks to business systems modernization to enhance performance, reduce costs
Moving off legacy systems and into the cloud will support digital transformation efforts, Navy officials tell Congress. Read the original article: Navy looks to business systems modernization to enhance performance, reduce costs
90% of Vermont’s recent online UI claims flagged as fraudulent
Read the original article: 90% of Vermont’s recent online UI claims flagged as fraudulent Vermont has disabled its online unemployment insurance application system after 90% of the initial claims filed were flagged as fraudulent. Read the original article: 90% of…
NIST previews post-quantum cryptography challenges
Read the original article: NIST previews post-quantum cryptography challenges A new white paper starts the discussion on what will be required to move from public-key to quantum-resistant encryption. Read the original article: NIST previews post-quantum cryptography challenges
DHS, White House turn spotlight on ransomware
Read the original article: DHS, White House turn spotlight on ransomware The Department of Homeland Security and the White House are putting the spotlight on combatting ransomware, actively developing plans to confront the issue. Read the original article: DHS, White…
Can zero trust really protect government from cyberattacks?
Read the original article: Can zero trust really protect government from cyberattacks? Zero trust is exactly what the U.S. government needs to protect its most sensitive data and operations, but it requires enormous planning to implement effectively and will need…
NSF, NIST, DOD team up on resilient next-gen networking
Read the original article: NSF, NIST, DOD team up on resilient next-gen networking The Resilient and Intelligent Next-Generation Systems (RINGS) program seeks to advance the underlying technologies to guarantee worldwide availability, security and reliability of new networking systems. Read the…
CISA tests cloud log aggregation to ID threats
Read the original article: CISA tests cloud log aggregation to ID threats The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is testing how well aggregated cloud logs can feed its cybersecurity analysis efforts and improve cloud network visibility. Read the original article:…
Data privacy demands a unified view across siloes
Read the original article: Data privacy demands a unified view across siloes A cross-enterprise privacy solution improves workflow and allows the creation and implementation of unified data privacy policies, giving agencies a clear understanding of sensitive data. Read the original…
UI modernization may get more funding, oversight
Read the original article: UI modernization may get more funding, oversight In its 2022 budget, the Labor Department is asking for $100 million more to shore up state unemployment insurance systems and a check-and-balance system to ensure fixes happen. Read…
NYC returns robotic dog
Read the original article: NYC returns robotic dog After complaints from residents, New York City’s “Digidog” has been sent back to its manufacturer. Read the original article: NYC returns robotic dog
What cities must do to responsibly deploy facial recognition solutions
Read the original article: What cities must do to responsibly deploy facial recognition solutions The National League of Cities has published recommendations for guiding conversations around how facial recognition technology is being implemented. Read the original article: What cities must…
Court will hear JEDI political interference case against Trump
Read the original article: Court will hear JEDI political interference case against Trump A complaint of political inference by former President Donald Trump in the Defense Department’s award of the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure cloud computing contract to Microsoft in…
‘Location spoofing’ creates deepfake satellite images
Read the original article: ‘Location spoofing’ creates deepfake satellite images Researchers are working to identify new ways of detecting fake satellite photos, warn of the dangers of falsified geospatial data and call for a system of geographic fact-checking. Read the…
Human-AI teaming for DC-based emergency response
Read the original article: Human-AI teaming for DC-based emergency response Members of Montgomery County, Md.’s Community Emergency Response Team are training an artificial intelligence-based system to find COVID-related items in Twitter posts that public safety officials should know about. Read…
FCC to share network outage data more broadly
Read the original article: FCC to share network outage data more broadly The Federal Communications Commission is planning to expand the sharing of communications network disruption data with certain agencies during emergencies. Read the original article: FCC to share network…
Feds’ job satisfaction climbs in latest survey
Read the original article: Feds’ job satisfaction climbs in latest survey Results from the Office of Personnel Management’s annual employee survey indicates federal employee job satisfaction improved during pandemic. Read the original article: Feds’ job satisfaction climbs in latest survey
Data matching flags suspicious unemployment claims
Read the original article: Data matching flags suspicious unemployment claims The National Association of State Workforce Agencies’ Integrity Data Hub has prevented about $243 million in improper unemployment insurance payments. Read the original article: Data matching flags suspicious unemployment claims