Author Archive

Chris Riotta

Chris Riotta
Chris Riotta is a staff reporter at Nextgov/FCW covering government procurement and technology policy. Chris joined FCW after covering U.S. politics for three years at The Independent. He earned his master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, where he served as 2021 class president.
Finance

CHIPS Act implementation at risk as November shutdown looms

The shutdown would be “massively disruptive” for ongoing efforts to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S., Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said Wednesday.

Cybersecurity

Feds plan new 'secure-by-design' guidance

The nation’s cyber defense agency is continuing to drive a major effort to shift security responsibilities from users to software providers.

Cybersecurity

US water infrastructure ‘unsustainable’ amid rapidly evolving crisis, report warns

The United States is facing an unsustainable demand for water and lacks the security posture to defend the nation’s water systems from emerging threats, according to a new report.

Cybersecurity

Feds prioritizing on-site K-12 cybersecurity reviews this school year

The nation’s cyber defense agency is aiming to work with schools “where they’re at instead of where they should be.” 

Cybersecurity

US power grid faces escalating cyber threats, infrastructure experts warn

The power grid is experiencing heightened threats from foreign adversaries and domestic extremist groups that can pose devastating consequences for the nation’s supply of electricity. 

Management

New bill aims to simplify federal grant applications, boost funding for underserved communities

Complicated grant applications could deter underserved communities from applying for and receiving federal funds. The Streamlining Federal Grants Act looks to improve applicants' customer experience by modernizing grant systems.

Infrastructure

Feds want to help prevent cyberattacks on the water sector

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking input on guidelines for mitigating the risks of cyberattacks on water and wastewater systems.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Push For Expanded Cyber Training

The Cybersecurity Awareness Act would launch a new public-private campaign promoting cyber best practices across state and local governments, small businesses and underserved communities. 

Digital Government

Public Sector Apps Face Widespread Security Challenges, Report Reveals

A new study found alarming security vulnerabilities across the vast majority of public applications over the last year.

Digital Government

Cyber Risks Found in Flood Management System in Southeastern States

A federal utility operating in seven states failed to implement proper cybersecurity standards for a control assisting with dam and river management, according to an oversight report.

Infrastructure

EPA Seeks Funding to Improve Water System Cybersecurity

The agency aims to invest $4 billion in upgrades to the nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure with a strong focus on quashing cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity

CISA floats plan to better secure federal civilian email

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency wants to beef up federal civilian email security with CISA-provisioned threat hunting and incident response efforts, according to a request for information published last week.

Infrastructure

Lawmakers dig into FedRAMP security

Security weaknesses in the FedRAMP program were raised at a meeting between federal officials and lawmakers ahead of a vote to codify the General Services Administration’s Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program into law.

Cybersecurity

Feds still unsure of ransomware’s reach

A Department of Homeland Security official suggested the department lacked critical data about ransomware attacks targeting the private sector and government agencies.

Cybersecurity

CISA directive requires vulnerability fixes in 6 months

A new binding operational directive puts federal civilian agencies on a six-month clock to remediate known vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity

Scaling up secure, single sign-on

With nearly $187 million in Technology Modernization Fund investment, GSA will increase Login.gov’s cybersecurity for current and future users, add equitable identity verification and in-person options for vulnerable populations and make it easier for agencies to provide Login.gov to more citizens.

Infrastructure

GSA plans cloud marketplace

The one-stop shop cloud marketplace would feature both post-award contract management tools and professional IT services, along with basic requirements to ensure cloud solutions comply with the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program.

Cybersecurity

White House drafts zero-trust guidance

The administration is looking for comments on strategic guidance containing baseline expectations for agency migrations to a zero-trust architecture.

Emerging Tech

Agencies experiment with augmented reality

The IRS wants to see if augmented reality can help smartphone users better understand tax forms, and the Drug Enforcement Agency wants an AR solution overlays live video from aircraft with advanced mapping information.

Cybersecurity

CISA launches joint cyber defense effort

The Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative aims to help the U.S. defend against threats to critical infrastructure through information-sharing and defense operations planning.