A new automated data feed that helps defend state and local government computer systems from cyberattacks and rapidly blocks threats across state lines reduced cyber defense time from some three days to less than three minutes in a successful pilot program across four states.
The IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act has been officially signed into law. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Reps. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., and Will Hurd, R-Texas, and Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Cory Gardner, R-Colo., requires that any IoT device purchased with government money meet minimum security standards.
Government can no longer afford to pursue monolithic, exquisite technology solutions. Given rising citizen expectations and the fast-changing technology landscape, state and local governments need to work closely with key stakeholders, including both citizens and IT vendors. This vision – call it “Connected Government” – will drive IT modernization. It’s a relationship-based approach to technology that will help state and local governments meet the immediate challenges of remote work and virtual citizen service, while also helping government IT leaders keep pace with innovation. Given the potential power of a Connected Government approach to IT services, it’s worth taking a deeper dive into how this mode of operation works.
With the emergence of major public health issues, or crises, such as COVID-19, grant funding for research and program development will be made available from various government agencies to help with the response. Additionally, foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or Ford Foundation may provide the precious funds to perform the vital work to battle the at hand issue. If fortunate, those in receipt of funding to pursue the global health issue to be addressed will often utilize technology either developed or custom created and implemented to address the critical response, or in the case of COVID-19, slow the spread or research the creation of vaccines.
A surveillance system in the city of Or Akiva, Israel has been deployed to monitor whether Israeli public is complying with the government's coronavirus guidelines, including wearing masks and social distancing.
During a press conference on election security at FBI Headquarters with FBI Director Christopher Wray, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe confirmed that some voter registration information has been obtained by Iran, and separately, by Russia.
In a new survey, federal executives identified a number of challenges associated with remote work; safely returning to the workplace; and guarding against fraud, waste, and abuse.
The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) reaffirmed its commitment to keep the State cyber safe after Governor Phil Murphy proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month on October 2. NJOHSP and its cyber division, the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC), are also participating in National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM).
