Oversight

DOD lacks performance targets, cybersecurity plans on some major IT programs, GAO says

The watchdog found that within the Defense Department’s 25 major IT business programs, more than half did not fully report whether they’d achieved intended targets.

  • By Carten Cordell

Interior faces 'disturbing' cyber risks due to cracked passwords and vulnerable assets

Recent reports reveal the Department of Interior is not enforcing multifactor authentication for its high-value assets and has a range of other significant cybersecurity risks.

  • By Chris Riotta

How can Congress regulate AI? Erect guardrails, ensure accountability and address monopolistic power

Is a new federal agency necessary to regulate AI? Maybe.

  • By Anjana Susarla, The Conversation

Unmonitored networks put US nuclear arsenal at risk, GAO finds

A Government Accountability Office report found that the Energy Department cannot effectively monitor potential insider threats to U.S. nuclear security because department staff “have not identified the total number of DOE’s stand-alone classified networks.”

  • By Edward Graham

GAO identifies new infosec deficiencies in IRS system controls

The watchdog's annual audit of the agency turned up new recommendations on system access controls and security configurations, alongside a limited release report and previous recommendations.

  • By Carten Cordell

EEOC alerts employers to AI discrimination risks

The agency explains how existing civil rights protections apply to artificial intelligence applications in the workplace.

  • By Natalie Alms

Watchdog dings GSA’s transactional data reporting pilot

According to the agency’s Inspector General, GSA performed an inaccurate evaluation of the program when it deemed TDR a success, but in actuality, the data is unusable.

  • By Kirsten Errick

Pentagon lags on software buying reforms, GAO says

A GAO report has found that DOD has yet to implement several recommendations from advisory boards towards achieving its modernization goals.

  • By Carten Cordell

OMB failing to set cross-agency IT management goals, report says

Administration officials disputed some of GAO's conclusions, noting that IT goals were embedded in other management agenda targets.

  • By Chris Riotta

IRS system doesn’t meet all cloud security requirements, watchdog says

The tax agency did not meet requirements like malicious code protection and timely risk mitigation, the department's internal watchdog reported.

  • By Kirsten Errick

IG: Social Security isn't moving fast enough on agile development

An Inspector General report published this month said the Social Security Administration is still struggling to mature its agile development processes and not yet transitioning away from costly outdated technology.

  • By Chris Riotta

NSF watchdog warns of 'other transaction' pitfalls as funding decisions loom

The National Science Foundation is poised to distribute billions in research and development funding via legislation designed to boost domestic production of computer chips.

  • By Carten Cordell

Pentagon didn't check risks before authorizing cloud services, watchdog finds

An audit conducted by the Defense Department’s inspector general found agency components “may be unaware of known vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks associated with operating their systems or storing their data.”

  • By Edward Graham

GSA not tapping data on unauthorized access attempts at federal facilities, report says

The General Services Administration isn't using access card data to mitigate risks on federal property, according to a new report.

  • By Chris Riotta
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Government watchdog warns on cyber weakness

The federal government has not yet addressed nearly 150 recommendations previously issued by the Government Accountability Office to help strengthen national cybersecurity, according to a new report.

  • By Chris Riotta

GAO calls on Energy Department to bolster competition for management contracts

The congressional watchdog learned of industry worries about broadly scoped contracts that potentially shut out small- and medium-sized firms.

  • By Carten Cordell

GAO pegs unemployment insurance fraud tally at more than $60 billion

At the same time, the congressional watchdog cautioned that governmentwide fraud estimates are potentially dicey.

  • By Natalie Alms

FDA falls short on IT contract management, watchdog finds

An audit of the agency's IT contract spend found that FDA officials failed to file acquisition information such as contract performance evaluations and competition efforts.

  • By Carten Cordell

House Oversight Committee probes GSA administrator’s telework

The GOP-led committee is seeking details about Robin Carnahan's telework arrangements.

  • By Carten Cordell

Interior’s cyber practices allow for easily crackable passwords, watchdog finds

An OIG investigation found that the Interior Department has not fully implemented multifactor authentication and that its “outdated and ineffective” password requirements leave employees’ accounts vulnerable to exploitation.

  • By Edward Graham

Federal health plan could be spending $1B a year on ineligible dependents, GAO says

A new report found that OPM lacks a process for identifying and removing ineligible members from the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, possibly costing the government $1 billion in improper payments a year.

  • By Carten Cordell