Federal CIO Kent Announces Cyber Reskilling Academy
Federal CIO Suzette Kent this morning announced creation of the Federal Cyber Reskilling Academy–a joint effort of the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Education, and the Federal CIO Council Workforce Committee–to kickstart the Federal government’s efforts to address gaps in the Federal cybersecurity workforce and help retrain Federal employees. […]
Feds Reach IT Modernization Tipping Point
A new report from MeriTalk and the American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC) finds that Federal finance, IT, and procurement experts believe we’ve reached an IT modernization tipping point. […]
DHS Launches ICT Sector Supply Chain Risk Task Force
The Department of Homeland Security on Oct. 30 announced launch of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Supply Chain Risk Management Task Force, which the agency said is charged with developing “consensus recommendations” to identify and manage risk to the global ICT supply chain. […]
DHS’ Manfra Discusses FISMA Update, Impact to CDM
Jeanette Manfra, assistant secretary for the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications at the Department of Homeland Security, said today that the new update to Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) guidance will place even more accountability on department leaders and reflects an evolution in discussions between agencies and DHS. […]
Pentagon Makes First Replicator 2 Counter-Drone Buy
The Pentagon’s Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401) has made its first acquisition under the Replicator 2 initiative, awarding a contract for two advanced DroneHunter F700 systems expected to be delivered by April. […]
NSA Unveils Zero Trust Implementation Guidance
The National Security Agency (NSA) published on Wednesday the first two products in a series of Zero Trust Implementation Guidelines (ZIGs) to help facilitate skilled practitioners’ implementation of zero trust. […]
Integration Is Key to Zero Trust, Navy Cyber Leader Says
Integration – not new technology tools – is the linchpin of successful zero trust implementation within the Department of the Navy, according to a senior Navy cyber official. […]
DHS Pours $115M Into Counter-Drone Tech for World Cup Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Monday that it is investing $115 million into drone and counter-drone technologies in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup (FIFA 2026). […]
Witnesses Warn Congress Against AI Chip Sales to China
Witnesses warned lawmakers today during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing that allowing China to purchase advanced U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) chips would pose serious national security risks. […]
Budget Experts Question Trump’s $1.5T DOD Budget Plan
President Donald Trump’s call for a $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year (FY) 2027 drew sharp reactions, as fiscal watchdogs warned of major debt impacts while Republican leaders praised the proposal as necessary to counter global threats. […]
Witnesses Urge Action on Digital Trade
Witnesses representing industry, policy, and labor groups urged lawmakers Tuesday to strengthen and better coordinate U.S. digital trade policy, warning that shortcomings in patent law, trade rules, and worker protections could weaken American innovation and competitiveness. […]
Trump Renominates Sean Plankey for CISA Chief
President Donald Trump renominated Sean Plankey to be the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Tuesday, after Plankey failed to receive Senate confirmation by the end of 2025. […]
Senate Bill Would Enlist SBA to Provide AI Help to Businesses
A new Senate bill would direct the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide a range of help to small businesses that are looking to implement artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. […]
Calls Grow for US Cyber Force as Deterrence Erodes
Calls to create a stand-alone U.S. cyber force gained momentum Tuesday as industry experts warned Congress that America’s cyber deterrence has eroded, leaving adversaries free to penetrate networks and critical infrastructure with little fear of consequences. […]
With 80 percent of every Federal IT dollar spent on life support for legacy systems, the Federal IT community is exploring new options to modernize and innovate – virtualization, cloud computing, Flash technology, software-defined options, shared services, and more. MeriTalk is staying close to the leaders on the front lines, bringing you new ideas and lessons learned.
And, as Federal IT leaders work to meet demands of an “always-on” highly mobile government, we bring you the stories and breaking news on balancing productivity with security. Our government IT news includes how agencies manage advanced persistent threats, and the steps that help guard against socially engineered threats. We look at the latest trends in malware, spyware, ransomware, and spear phishing. And – how can Federal agencies protect data from tomorrow’s cyber threats?
The MeriTalk “Industry Insider” column, offers a weekly news roundup of contracts and other activity in the Federal IT industry. Check with MeriTalk daily for the government technology news you need to know, or subscribe to get the latest stories delivered directly to your inbox. You’ll stay up to date with interesting and timely Federal IT stories on cybersecurity, big data, data center modernization, cloud, mobile, and other developments in your community – from what’s next for the MGT Act to the highly anticipated Federal IT revolving capital fund, MeriTalk brings you the trends and breaking IT news to help you modernize, innovate, and transform public sector technology and the missions you support.