Tech
IRS gets favorable progress report on information security
Auditors note there still is room for improvement in systems configuration and procedures to block unauthorized users.
Defense
Army portal tops 1 billion log-ins
Defense Department is building on service’s success to launch Web portal for entire department.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Agencies make another dent in high-risk IT investments
To encourage further progress, OMB releases online financial analysis tool.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: VA taps AT&T and Qwest for telecom services
Awards are part of an increase in activity on GSA's Networx contract, to which agencies have been slow to transition.
Oversight
Growth in technology spending expected to continue
Economic bailout notwithstanding, market research firm projects an increase in IT contracting prospects.
Defense
Government urged to improve information sharing before crises
Future security threats are likely to transcend intelligence requirements of counterterrorism operations.
Tech
From Nextgov.com: Web 2.0 technologies are seen as vital to attracting younger employees
Social networking is here to stay and government must adapt , federal practitioners say.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Army is lax in overseeing issuance of contractor ID cards, IG finds
Contractor failed to conduct adequate background checks before giving employees access to sensitive computer systems and military facilities.
Tech
From Nextgov.com: Concerns swirl around transparency of Navy network contract
Officials gather comments on plan to break services into eight segments, but critics say time is short.
Oversight
DHS secretary pushes industry to invest in cybersecurity
Plans to beef up protection hinge on private sector -- which owns most of the nation’s infrastructure.
Oversight
Philadelphia-based consultant buys McConnell International
Clinton Rubin purchases federal consulting firm founded by former OMB tech chief in a move to enter stable federal market.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Navy plans to ask for NGEN proposals by spring
The service prepares to hold two industry days to discuss the network that will connect users on shore and at sea.
Tech
Homeland Security communications network project at risk of delays
The department should have developed stronger controls before hiring a contractor to work on the project, report says.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: DuPont, German company win lightweight battery contest
Defense held yearlong competition to reduce by as much as 75 percent the weight of batteries needed to power high-tech devices in battle.
Oversight
From Nextgov.com: Feds still fumbling with financial management systems
GAO skeptical about an increase in number of agencies complying with law to deploy compatible systems that use proper standards.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Energy's unclassified networks still open to cyberattack
Inspector general reports that while progress has been made, systems remain vulnerable .
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Watchdog agency cites flaws in DHS cybersecurity program
More energy should go into predicting and preventing future attacks, GAO says .
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Homeland Security to direct cybersecurity initiative
Defense and intelligence agencies will support the governmentwide effort .
Tech
Clandestine world of intelligence-gathering turns to an open market for data
Social networking sites, blogs and chat rooms unveil classified information for analysts.
Oversight