NIST releases latest cyber guide for agency networks
The Commerce Department has issued the latest word on how to spot cybersecurity weaknesses in federal computer systems: It's called the "Guide for Conducting Risk Assessments," and it's been published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Wednesday morning federal headlines - Sept. 14
On today's Federal Drive: Intelligence Community leaders indicate they will continue to focus on the workforce even as it faces looming budget cuts and the House passes an FAA reauthorization to stave off a shutdown at the transportation agency.
Tuesday morning federal headlines - Sept. 13
On today's Federal Drive: some agencies have netted extra cash from governmentwide acquisition contracts and furloughed FAA workers won't receive back pay under the latest House FAA funding reauthorization.
NIST begins outreach for new public safety network
In a request for comments issued today, the agency wants industry to answer 10 questions across four broadly themed areas.
NIST: Simplicity can be great cybersecurity defense
The National Institute of Standards and Technology senior fellow Ron Ross said keeping things simple lets agencies protect their systems against cyber threats without spending a lot of money. NIST is publishing guides to help agencies make cost-conscious cybersecurity decisions.
NIST's cyber education plan open for comments
Ernest McDuffie, who oversees NIST's National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education program, joined the Federal Drive to discuss the initiative and the next steps for the program.
NIST unveils cybersecurity education plan
The National Institute of Standards and Technology unveiled a plan for cybersecurity education. The agency will take public comments on the draft plan through Sept. 12.
Maryland senators boost small biz cyber role
Witnesses at a Senate field hearing in Laurel, Md. said the government's tight budget is tough on the small businesses that are bidding for cybersecurity contracts. Federal agency representatives, on the other hand, say they're reaching out to small businesses.
iPhones, iPads on the way, VA confirms
The Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed Monday that the previously discussed "popular devices" it will soon allow on its network are iPhones and iPads. Allowing the devices to connect will meet a growing demand by VA employees, but will mean accepting some level of security risk, VA's CIO said.
NIST, GSA setting up cloud validation process
The goal is for independent third party companies to affirm commercial cloud providers meet the FedRAMP cybersecurity requirements. The agencies will model its approach after the one used to accredit vendors to provide products and services under HSPD-12. FedRAMP will not be ready until the fall.
How DoD contractors can comply with NIST rules
Mark Amtower, host of Amtower Off Center here on Federal News Radio and a government contracting consultant, offers his analysis of how the proposed rule change will affect DoD contractors.
NIST seeks new advisory board members
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is accepting nominations to their nine advisory boards.
NIST cyber rules to apply to DoD contractors
The Defense Department has some new cyber rules for contractors to follow.
More time needed to finalize FedRAMP
GSA, DoD, DHS still need at least another month to finalize the FedRAMP requirements. Agencies and vendors are anxiously waiting the FedRAMP process to speed up the move to cloud computing and save money. The CIO Council also is developing the top 20 cloud security considerations to help agencies mitigate risks.
Commerce recommends a new internet security plan
The Cybersecurity, Innovation and the Internet Economy report charges the Commerce Department with bringing together non-critical infrastructure businesses to improve the security of their computers and systems. This is the fourth cybersecurity strategy or proposal from the administration since April. Commerce will act as a convener to help create voluntary standards.
The 411 on cloud computing
Lee Badger is a computer scientist with the cloud computing program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. He has tips on cloud computing for your agency
Exclusive: Schmidt says cyber progress being made quietly behind the scenes
The White House cybersecurity advisor said many of his office's initiatives are in the operational stages and are making a difference. But some in industry and government say there is a vacuum in leadership from his office and OMB. Howard Schmidt says it's clear what role his office, OMB and DHS play.
NIST to play big role to secure online identities
White House strategy gives the Commerce Department bureau the ability to bring industry, privacy, security and other experts together to develop policies and standards. The administration made it clear the private sector will lead the effort and the government is only creating a marketplace for these services.
This week in cloud computing
Kundra: Agencies on path for transition to cloud Agencies are on track with their cloud computing strategies. Federal Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra told those in attendance at the NIST Cloud Computing Forum and Workshop that all agencies have identified the three systems they will move to the cloud as part of the administrationâ"™s cloud-first [...]![]()
NIST unveils cyber identity strategy
The idea is simple: Create a secure online portal to make online transactions more trustworthy.




