Shutdown could test IT security at federal agencies

A government shutdown that lasts more than a few days could test the ability of federal agencies to protect their information systems against security threats.
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US gov't shutdown could take money from IT workers, contracts

A looming U.S. government shutdown could mean smaller paychecks for some government IT workers and contractors, as well as renegotiated contracts for some IT vendors.

Expect tech glitches when Obamacare launches Oct. 1

The health insurance marketplaces mandated by the Obama administration's Affordable Care Act are scheduled to open for business in four days. Yet even before the sites launch, tech problems are emerging.

Federal IT hiring slips with political deadlock

IT hiring by the federal government is trending downward, with fewer jobs posted each month this year than last year, according to a Computerworld analysis of employment data.

Suitcase-size device may help save lives of disaster victims

The device looks like a small piece of carry-on luggage, but it has a more important job than carrying a toothbrush, deodorant and a couple of pairs of underwear.

How to Prepare for a Potential Syrian Counterattack on the U.S. Power Grid

It isn't yet time to stock up on canned beans and bottled water, but a potential conflict with Syria--which hasn't been shy about attacking vulnerable U.S. infrastructure--should have your organization reviewing its disaster-preparedness plans.

Big Data Drives City of Buffalo's Operation Clean Sweep

By layering data from 311 and 911 calls over Census data, unemployment data and other poverty indicators, Buffalo uses data analytics to identify its most challenged neighborhoods and more effectively deploy resources for everything from neighborhood beautification to combatting crime and reducing fire hazards.

What the CIA Private Cloud Really Says About Amazon Web Services

When the CIA opted to have Amazon build its private cloud, even though IBM could do it for less money, a tech soap opera ensued. Lost amid the drama, though, is a perfectly reasonable explanation why Amazon Web Services makes sense for the CIA--and why a disruptive AWS represents the future of the cloud.

Senators Push to Curb NSA's FISA Authorities

Members of Judiciary Committee express concern over broad-ranging, secretive authorities under Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, push for bill to strengthen oversight, transparency.

Federal IT efforts slowed by weak CIO roles and uneven reporting

Government IT officials tell House subcommittee that reforms are coming in fits and starts, but inconsistent reporting of struggling projects, data center discrepancies and fragmented CIO authorities combine to slow the process.

Our Internet privacy is at risk -- but not dead (yet)

Legislation, stealth technologies, and emerging data privacy markets are proving that the battle for our Internet privacy has only just begun

Bill Gates vows the return of Microsoft Bob

Though roundly ridiculed when it debuted in 1995, Microsoft Bob, or something resembling the short-lived on-screen assistant, will ultimately return, vowed Bill Gates, co-founder and chairman of Microsoft.

Prism doesn't have CIOs in a panic -- yet

Revelations over the U.S. National Security Agency's Prism surveillance program have much of the general public in uproar, but in terms of the controversy's impact to enterprise IT, some CIOs have measured, albeit watchful, reactions.

Internet taxes: Is the inevitable about to happen?

Some things never happen the way that us pundits expect. Back on Independence Day in 1999 I wrote this about government taxing the purchase of goods over the Internet: "I fully believe in the ingenuity of the government when it comes to imposing taxes. We will be paying these taxes soon." Well, "soon" has not happened yet, but maybe it is getting closer.

Government CTO Liam Maxwell on C-level change

The government is scrapping the cross-government CIO role. Since the coalition took office in 2010 there has been a significant level of CIO churn in Whitehall. Liam Maxwell, currently the Government CTO, has risen through the ranks and is considered to be a major reformer. CIO UK met with Maxwell recently to discuss a wide range of issues, including the politics of his role, the Government Digital Service, G-Cloud, SME vendors and -- of course -- cuts.

Government CTO Liam Maxwell discusses centralisation

In part one of CIO UK's Liam Maxwell interview, the Government CTO discussed the C-level shake-up in Whitehall, G-Cloud and SME vendors. In part two of the series, Maxwell spoke about centralisation, exemplar services and cuts.

Our Internet privacy is at risk -- but not dead (yet)

Legislation, stealth technologies, and emerging data privacy markets are proving that the battle for our Internet privacy has only just begun