Features

Guarding Networks

Heightened awareness about the sorry state of cybersecurity might be just what chief information security officers need to finally be heard.

News

From Nextgov.com: DHS launches second test of biometric exit processes

Officials are determining whether Customs and Border agents or airport screeners are better positioned to collect information from visitors leaving the country.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Plan is unclear on coordination of new counternarcotics technologies

Southwest border strategy offers few details about overlap with existing homeland security programs.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Bill would toughen security requirements over current law

A new White House cyberspace director would measure how well agencies patch systems for known viruses, malware and other security vulnerabilities .

News

From Nextgov.com: House panel's investigation into file sharing may be misplaced

Congress should compel agencies to stop employees from downloading peer-to-peer applications, security professionals say.

News

From Nextgov.com: Breach indicates need for stricter security requirements for contractor networks

In wake of data stolen on the Joint Strike Fighter, the government should develop cybersecurity standards that all federal contractors must follow.

News

From Nextgov.com: Industry group calls for public-private cybersecurity standards

Common standards established between government and private industries would ensure a base level of security across both sectors, according to an association of intelligence and security professionals.

News And Analysis

Walking the Talk

Although the Obama administration has given little direction on budgets, managers still can decipher where to put their money.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Senators introduce cybersecurity legislation

Bills would place cyber adviser in White House, regulate private network security .

News

From Nextgov.com: DHS awards contract for surveillance systems along U.S.-Canada border

Boeing will deploy networks in Buffalo and Detroit and conduct a yearlong test to determine enhancements the department should add.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Prosecutors charge former IRS employee with filing false tax claims

Indianapolis worker allegedly used information from the Integrated Data Retrieval System to prepare six fraudulent income tax returns .

News

From Nextgov.com: DHS secretary unveils 700 initiatives aimed at saving millions

Agencies will transition to e-documents and enterprise software licensing to cut costs .

Defense

From Nextgov.com: White House to coordinate cybersecurity efforts

Obama's senior cyber official tells a House caucus that OMB could expand its staff to conduct more oversight of agencies' security initiatives.

News

From Nextgov.com: Bar is raised for justifying best value contracts

A recent bid protest ruling signals agencies must be more thorough in documenting awards based on technical expertise rather than price.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Number of infected Web sites sharply increases in 2008

Agencies should protect their Web sites from infection and take measures to keep employees from being tricked into visiting sites that contain malware.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: IBM's rumored acquisition of Sun would have little impact

Procurement specialists and company partners predict a consolidation of product lines.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Tension mounts over cybersecurity oversight

Resignation of DHS official leads some to argue for creation of independent cyber entity .

Management

Protecting Our Ports

Data devices that plug into computers make many jobs easier, but they can expose networks to attacks.

Managing Technology

Protecting Our Ports

Data devices that plug into computers make many jobs easier, but they can expose networks to attacks.

Tech

From Nextgov.com: Obama proposes big increase in cybersecurity spending at DHS

Fiscal 2010 budget proposal is vague on IT spending, but officials believe the administration will target education, grid computing and health care for significant increases .