Tech

Panelists question future of cargo-scanning tool

Government needs screening system that can be dialed up or down depending on threat and risk level, former DHS official says.

Tech

Data breaches raise more questions about computer security law

Recent rash of reported IT security problems at agencies has lawmakers considering changes to the Federal Information Security Management Act.

Tech

Unmanned border flights suspended despite Bush call for more

Bush border plan calls for use of drones to detect illegal crossings, but Border Patrol hasn’t flown one along the southern border since April crash.

Defense

Army weighs options for scaling back combat systems upgrade

Long-term program, now valued at between $160 billion and $200 billion, is one of the service’s most expensive technological efforts.

Tech

Human resources consolidation project advances

OPM signals that federal shared service providers will compete with the private sector, but details have yet to be released.

Tech

VA cuts telework, bans employee-owned computers

Moves by VA Secretary James Nicholson are intended to prevent security breaches.

Tech

Management structure contributed to VA data breach, observers say

With Congress investigating one of the nation’s largest data breaches, former VA officials blame a weak IT management structure.

Defense

Records on active-duty military included in stolen VA data

The personal information of up to 50,000 National Guard, Reserve and Navy personnel could be at risk.

Tech

DHS trade processing system lacks realistic goals, GAO says

Agency says it will align and define program goals, benefits, business results and performance measures by July 1.

Tech

Telework blamed in recent VA data loss

Analyst's ability to work from home is being used as a scapegoat, telework advocates say.

Tech

Panel to examine VA computer security practices

Hearing will address such issues as whether the veterans’ data stolen in early May from a department employee’s home should have been encrypted.

Tech

VA to fire data analyst responsible for records breach

Memorandum notes that phone numbers were among the records stolen from the home of an agency employee.

Tech

VA data theft could provide push for info protection bill

Senate Democrat says measure could help veterans better protect their stolen personal information.

Tech

Report: Defense domestic violence data incomplete

Pentagon says system for maintaining database has been underfunded.

Tech

VA mandates new background checks in wake of data loss

Theft of personal information on 26.5 million veterans results in review of data access policies.

Tech

Guidelines floated for financial management consolidation

Public-private competitions expected under project to move agencies to a handful of back-office systems providers.

Defense

VA to shift up to $25 million to handle data theft inquiries

Money would come from four IT programs, one of which could take a 50 percent cut if all funds are needed.

Tech

Patent office union expresses concern over massive telework program

Agency officials say they will meet their goal of enrolling 500 employees by year’s end, but union officials are skeptical.

Defense

Defense business modernization agency wins support

GAO sees improvement and members of Congress are working to get funding restored.

Tech

State department reverses itself on use of Chinese computers

The 16,000 Chinese-made computers, bought for $13 million for use on classified networks, will now be designated for unclassified work.