Oversight

Interior’s Cyber Practices Allow for Easily Crackable Passwords, Watchdog Finds

An OIG investigation found that the Interior Department has not fully implemented multifactor authentication and that its “outdated and ineffective” password requirements leave employees’ accounts vulnerable to exploitation.

Tech

The DHS Tech Office Develops a Portable Gunshot Detection System

The new gunfire detection tool can be deployed in temporary locations and is designed to reduce instances of false positives.

Tech

'It's a Great Time' for Laid off Tech Workers to Take a Job at VA, Agency CIO Says

During a media call on Friday, the VA’s CIO and CTO discussed the department’s efforts to attract new talent amid thousands of layoffs across the tech sector.

Tech

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.

Exclusive Workforce

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.

Tech

Senator to Elon Musk: 'Fix Your Companies. Or Congress Will'

After Elon Musk mocked Sen. Ed Markey’s concerns about Twitter verifying fake accounts, the senator told the mogul to get it together or Congress would step in.

Tech

No ‘Specific or Credible’ Cyber Threats Affected Integrity of Midterms, CISA Says

Despite “a handful” of DDoS attacks targeting state and local election websites and some technical glitches affecting voting equipment, CISA says it saw “no activity” that should undermine faith in the results of the midterm elections.

Tech

Voting Machine Myths Likely to Increase During and After Midterms, Report Finds

Cybersecurity firm Recorded Future identified mis- and disinformation campaigns suggesting that voting machines from three major companies “will be used to falsify the results of the midterms.”

Management

A Defense Policy Bill Amendment Would Establish a Veteran-Focused Cyber Training Program

A provision included in House and Senate legislation authorizing Defense Department spending for fiscal year 2023 would allow veterans and military spouses to receive cyber training “at no cost.”

Tech

CISA and FBI Say Malicious Cyber Activity is Unlikely to Compromise Election Infrastructure

The joint public service announcement said “extensive safeguards in place” make it difficult for bad actors to interfere in upcoming midterm elections.

Oversight

Watchdog Identifies Multiple Security Deficiencies at VA Medical Center in Louisiana

The VA’s Office of Inspector General found “critical and high-risk vulnerabilities on 37% of the devices” at the Louisiana-based medical center.

Tech

A VA Official Has 'Deep Concerns' About the Agency's Electronic Health Record Deployment

But leadership at the agency pushed back against projected cost overruns and delays moving forward.

Tech

Traffic Overwhelms Student Loan Sites Following Biden’s Debt Relief Announcement

Student loan company Nelnet said providers received no advance warning about the White House’s loan forgiveness plan, contributing to confusion and site outages.

Tech

The Biden Administration Unveils a Website to Help Combat Extreme Heat Conditions

Heat.gov includes interactive maps, forecasts and other resources to help officials and the general public cope with high temperatures.