Tech
Contrasting rescue missions show effects of networked military communications
Report highlights difference between “Black Hawk Down” incident and 2004 rescue in Tal Afar, Iraq.
Tech
Whats Brewin: Theres Simple, Then Theres Complex
Video systems for military families and firefighters are among the easier, while Enterprise Resource Planning Systems prove more complicated.
Defense
Immigration checks for contract jobs spur debate
Contractors say automated system for confirming the legal status of workers is error-prone.
Oversight
Old tools hamper drug inspections, observers say
A relatively small investment in IT could make oversight far more effective, former agency official tells lawmakers.
Tech
FBI to begin second phase of case management project
It will involve building out a Web portal for the case management system, known as Sentinel.
Defense
Hill doubts TSA’s timeline for port identification card program
Completion is years away and success is still up in the air, GAO says.
Tech
IT security officials share concerns
The increasing need to share information electronically is among the trends creating vulnerabilities, officials say.
Tech
Official defends Pentagon, VA moves toward e-health
Effort is aimed at eventually enabling veterans to visit one Web site and see all the benefits available to them through Defense and VA.
Tech
What’s Brewin: Try Living Without GPS
The Defense, Transportation and Homeland Security departments have been searching for a backup in case GPS systems get knocked out.
Tech
Senators aim to bolster fight against cyber crimes
New bill would change felony requirements so hackers could be charged for damaging 10 or more computers; current rules set bar at minimum of $5,000 worth of harm.
Tech
Agencies miss deadline for ID card mandate
“We’re holding ourselves accountable,” top OMB technology official says.
Tech
Credentials could ease hiring for IT security jobs
Agencies should follow the Defense Department’s model for IT employee certifications, representatives of professional organizations say.
Defense
Workforce issues complicate planning for cyberattacks
The Homeland Security Department has had a hard time retaining cybersecurity officials, auditor testifies at House hearing.
Defense
E-health problems in the military frustrate lawmakers
Defense and VA have ad hoc processes in place if there is an immediate need to provide data on the severely wounded, but those only cover small numbers of patients.
Defense
Army tests satellite communications in wildfire response
Last year, the service purchased 10 emergency response SUVs equipped with a wide range of communications systems.
Defense
Terrorist watch list subjects can evade detection, GAO says
Rapid growth of the list and the lack of a clear plan delegating responsibilities, priorities and authority have detracted from its usefulness.
Tech
IT expert says information security should be distinct field
Defense program creating professional standards already has proven beneficial, former government official says.
Oversight
Administration touts progress in managing tech investments
Number of projects on list reflecting planning weaknesses has decreased 61 percent in the past seven months.
Tech
Reports of federal security breaches double in four months
OMB attributes increase to improved efforts by agencies to acknowledge incidents, but some security officials are concerned.
Defense