Tag Archives: IT

Federal Cybersecurity Challenges

These days, when you turn on the news you almost always see another hack, leak, or breach putting sensitive information at risk. But we’ve been focusing on keeping federal agency information systems secure for a long time. For October’s Cybersecurity … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Eyes in the Sky | Could We Be Headed for Less Accurate Weather Forecasts?

Satellites are critical for timely forecasts and warnings of extreme weather events. But, as we’ve discussed before, some of these satellites are aging and should be replaced. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration oversees key weather satellites, and today we’re … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , ,

Securing the Nation’s Most Sensitive Information (podcast)

High-impact federal information systems hold sensitive information, which, if lost, could cause catastrophic harm to individuals, the government, and the nation. We recently surveyed federal agencies about cyber threats to high-impact systems and efforts to protect them. Listen to Greg … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Legacy IT Systems (podcast)

The federal government invests more than $80 billion annually on IT. Much of this money is spent operating and maintaining legacy IT systems—some of which are decades old. Is this the best use of federal IT dollars? And what are … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , ,

The Taxman Cometh

Usually, April 15 is the deadline for filing federal individual income tax returns. However, this year, due to Washington, D.C.’s celebration of Emancipation Day on Friday, April 15, the deadline for most of the nation is today, April 18. (Due … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Weaknesses in IRS Information Security (podcast)

To do its job, the IRS has to collect and keep a variety of sensitive information about taxpayers. But how does it make sure this information is secure? Listen to Greg Wilshusen, a director in our Information Technology team, discuss … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , ,

The National Cybersecurity Protection System (podcast)

With cyberattacks on the rise, protecting federal government computer systems, the infrastructure they control, and the private data stored within them is of the utmost importance. The National Cybersecurity Protection System is intended to help—but how well is it working? … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Helping Improve Federal IT

As we’ve long reported, the federal government spends about $80 billion every year on IT systems that often fail, greatly exceed cost and schedule estimates, or result in inefficient systems. In an effort to address these problems, Congress enacted the … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , ,

Cyber Risks and Critical Infrastructure (podcast)

Critical infrastructures—the facilities and systems that support banking, commerce, energy, and agriculture—are vital to our national economy, security, and public health. They’re also vulnerable to cyberattacks, a growing concern in an increasingly connected world. Listen to Greg Wilshusen, a director … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Government IT Systems Still at Risk

Lately, it’s a recurring news story—another hack, leak, or breach, and sensitive information is compromised. We’ve long identified information system security as a high-risk area throughout the government. So for October’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re highlighting federal cybersecurity challenges.

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment