Leaders of the U.S. Cyber Command were sharing ideas and concerns regarding the agency’s mission and objectives during a recent cybersecurity symposium in Washington, D.C. The leaders attempted to answer unresolved questions in the basic constructs of their protection of cyber networks, such as the definition of a ‘cyber attack’ and the appropriate timing for [...]

The Office of Personnel Management last week announced a record-setting level of charitable giving by federal employees through the Combined Federal Campaign, amounting to nearly $282.6 million in pledges to nonprofit programs in 2009. Presenting 25 awards to federal workers whose work contributed to raising the funds, OPM Director John Berry said just as federal [...]

Calling veteran care the nation’s “solemn responsibility,” President Barack Obama last week said the Department of Veterans Affairs will start making it easier for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder to get the benefits and treatment they need. In his weekly address, Obama on Saturday highlighted veterans care and what the administration is doing to help [...]

Three two-year colleges in Maryland were among the first community colleges in the country to be named National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance last month by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Anne Arundel Community College, Hagerstown Community College and Prince Georges Community College were three of six institutions [...]

The Office of Management and Budget released a memorandum earlier this week giving the Department of Homeland Security full responsibility of all civilian agency computer networks. In the memo, OMB Director Peter Orszag and Cybersecurity Coordinator Howard Schmidt outlined activities for DHS to fulfill its cybersecurity duties in an effort to clarify the responsibilities and [...]

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III has named Timothy P. Murphy the new deputy director, a role in which he will be succeeding John S. Pistole who left the agency to service as administrator of the Transportation Security Administration. Murphy has served as associate deputy director since January 2008, overseeing the FBI’s personnel, budget, administration, [...]

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced yesterday his recommendation for Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as next commander of U.S. Central Command. Mattis is currently commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command and, if confirmed, will succeed Army Gen. David H. Patraeus, who is now commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan. He would [...]

The National Security Agency revealed yesterday its plan to unveil a national cybersecurity program called “Perfect Citizen” to asses vulnerabilities and secure critical infrastructures. The surveillance platform plans to detect cyber threats in private companies and federal agencies through a set of sensors placed into networks that alert suspicious activity. The main infrastructures Perfect Citizen [...]

The Department of Health and Human Services sent a copy of the final rule of meaningful use requirements Monday to the Office of Management and Budget. The long-awaited definition of meaningful use for electronic health records will give providers a clear set of guidelines to follow to qualify for EHR certification. The certification deems the [...]

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be providing grants totaling up to $390.5 million to all states, territories and metro areas in an effort to strengthen the nation’s medical surge capabilities following an emergency. The funds are part of the HHS’ Hospital Preparedness Program. They are given to the states to help [...]