Workforce

Diversity and the Cyber Workforce

Data shows that the federal cybersecurity workforce is less diverse than the government overall, but addressing the disparity will take more than hiring more diverse employees, say DEIA experts and federal tech executives.

Employee Policy

NDAA requires DOD to report on prospects for a ‘cyber academy’

The annual defense bill included a provision to report on the potential efficacy of a National Cyber Academy modeled after existing military service academies.

Employee Policy

Lessons of the Cyber Reskilling Academy

The leaders who orchestrated a reskilling program meant to transform feds into cyber defense analysts have some takeaways to share.

Employee Policy

What will the new Digital Corps look like?

Technology talent with a desire to serve is out there, says Chris Kaung. There just aren't many places for them to get into public service early in their careers. The U.S. Digital Corps is meant to fix that.

Employee Policy

Agency zero trust does not start from point zero

The good news is that consistent IT policy spanning previous presidential administrations has allowed the federal government to slowly put the necessary building blocks in place for the inevitable zero trust architecture journey.

Employee Policy

WH orders software protection compliance

The Office of Management and Budget has directed agencies to comply with software supply chain security measures, as set out in a May 2021 cybersecurity executive order.

Tech

Why Aren’t We Taking This Simple Step to Prevent Ransomware?

In the world of cybersecurity, we’re still in the mid-’80s. And we’re in the middle of a growing public safety crisis.

Employee Policy

DHS remaking federal hiring, to confront cybersecurity gap

After an alarming number of recent data breaches striking our shores, DHS is changing policy to speed the hiring of cybersecurity professionals.

Defense

White House Aims To Beef Up Nation’s Cybersecurity After Pipeline Hack

A new executive order shifts how the government buys software and gives consumers visibility into products’ security features.

Oversight

GAO: Federal Human Capital Management has Regressed Over Last Two Years

The government watchdog agency faulted a lack of leadership at OPM for the failure to address gaps in critical skills and other federal workforce issues.

Defense

A Big 2020 Election Hack Never Came. Here’s Why

America’s cyber defenders are getting more proactive — and more chatty.

Defense

U.S. Elections Are Safer From Foreign Interference, But Gaps Remain

Four years after a big wake-up call, federal, state and local governments are working harder and more closely to ward off threats.

Defense

Could Trump Deploy US Cyber Command Against Protestors?

It’s time to set better limits on the U.S. military’s ability to operate against Americans.

Defense

Russia’s Attempted Vaccine Hack Suggests Research — and Putin’s Grand Plan — Has Stalled

The Kremlin’s cyber attack on the UK, U.S., and Canada suggests their coronavirus vaccine — and a key Putin promise — is far from reality.

Defense

The Defense Bill Could Rewrite How the US Does Cyber Defense

A proposed new office would help private entities and the government respond together to major hacks.

Pay & Benefits

How to Keep Your TSP Account Secure in the Era of COVID-19

Scammers and fraudsters are taking advantage of the novel coronavirus pandemic to target online financial accounts. 

Pay & Benefits

Merit Board Offers Advice to Fix Reskilling Program That Hasn't Translated to Any New Job Placements

A pilot program to train some non-IT workers with technology skills has not resulted in anyone switching jobs, largely because participants would have needed to take a pay cut.

Oversight

Watchdog: OPM is At Risk of Not Being Able to Restore IT Systems Post-Disaster 

The massive 2015 data breaches that exposed personal information of current and former federal employees are the subject of an ongoing lawsuit.