News

From Nextgov.com: IRS continues to pay millions to process paper tax returns

Agency should invest in scanning technology to convert documents to an electronic format, and mandate e-filing by tax preparers, IG reports.

News

From Nextgov.com: Immigration service revamps Web site to offer more interactive tools

Portal provides status updates for foreigners applying for citizenship and immigration services.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: TSA employees are well-informed on privacy issues, watchdog says

Automated tools would help the agency better protect personal information stored on computers, IG reports.

News

From Nextgov.com: IRS pays millions in interest for delays in processing high-dollar refunds

Inspector general finds the agency has been slow in following recommendations that could reduce the $63 million in interest paid on refunds that exceed $10 million each.

News

From Nextgov.com: Agents crippled by delays in technology deployment along Southwest border

Border Patrol must rely on old, unreliable equipment to protect crossings and reduce illegal immigration .

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Government works toward a more proactive cybersecurity approach

Detection of intruders is an incremental step in prevention of cyberattacks , Homeland Security official says.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Program to track citizen border crossings exceeds expectations

New system speeds security checks for travelers at land and sea ports, DHS official says.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Agencies frustrated with unclear guidance on reducing external IT network connections

Technology leaders blame poor communication among OMB and other departments for haphazard efforts to comply with Trusted Internet Connections initiative.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Agencies must make high-risk cyber threats top priority, DHS officials say

Departments should focus their limited resources on the most dangerous network attacks , says Homeland Security cyber chief.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: OMB requires agencies to submit FISMA reports via online tool

Security specialists doubt the new rule will do much to improve computer network protection.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Upcoming migration to Windows 7 could be a headache for most agencies

Federal IT shops that still use Windows XP will be required to save data and settings before making the switch , or be forced to buy technical support from Microsoft.

News

From Nextgov.com: Agencies' struggle over control of cybersecurity overblown, say DHS officials

Executives contend the much more pressing issue is the difficulty in attracting cyber workers , characterizing the effort as "a beast of a problem."

Management

Unplugged

Wireless technology can improve insight into an agency's supply chain, if done right.

Managing Technology

Unplugged

Wireless technology can improve insight into an agency’s supply chain, if done right.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Agencies fail to make information sharing a priority

Intel official tells lawmakers the system for implementing cross-government efforts is broken.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Consortium sponsors competitions to develop cybersecurity workforce

Group aims to identify 10,000 highly skilled computer security high school and college students to fill the demand for cyber workers in federal agencies.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Independent commission plans second report on cybersecurity requirements

Recommendations will address privacy, civil liberties and engagement of international allies in implementing policy.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Security experts push to require federal information security guidelines

Inclusion of recommendations in NIST’s list of computer security controls seen as a positive first step.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Companies, academics form coalition to promote open-source software

The applications programs support Obama's call for transparency, collaboration and public participation , say founders of Open Source for America.

News

From Nextgov.com: Veteran managers advise agencies to be strategic in gathering online feedback

Officials must identify the audience they’re trying to reach, ask the right questions and find an appropriate technology platform , panelists say.