Author Archive
Emerging Tech
DHS wants answers on how well digital identity systems work
As more state and local agencies turn to identity proofing tech to weed out fraudsters trying to access government services, further testing on how identity validation systems work is needed.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Republicans unemployment fraud bill passes House, gets Senate version
The bill’s passage in the House fell one day after the indictment of one of its cosponsors – Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) – for unemployment fraud.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Biden will veto Republican-led clawback of unemployment funding, White House says
Funding for unemployment modernization is needed to help states to continue detecting fraud, combating identity theft and recovering overpayments, White House officials said.
Cybersecurity
NIST sets sights on implementing identity provisions from the CHIPS Act
According to a recent roadmap, NIST is looking to issue guidance on how federal, state and local governments can offer attribute validation services.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Some states may be barring the door to unemployment benefits
Despite Labor Department guidelines, nine states are requiring UI applicants to verify their identity before submitting applications.
Emerging Tech
Labor Dept. watchdog urges 'extreme caution' on facial recognition
Since the start of the pandemic and an upswing in fraudulent claims in the jobless aid systems, the use of facial recognition in identity checks has spread across states, raising OIG concerns about access and privacy.
Cloud & Infrastructure
New guide looks to slash 'time tax' on benefits applications
The project aims to make applications for government programs such as childcare assistance more user-friendly and less time consuming.
Cybersecurity
NSA offers new tips on zero trust and identity
New zero trust guidance for government agencies highlights best practices for maturing identity and access controls.
Cloud & Infrastructure
House Republicans offer proposal to claw back unemployment modernization funding
Lawmakers sparred over a proposal to pull back Labor Department funding from the American Rescue Plan Act for unemployment modernization.
Emerging Tech
DHS tests show facial recognition tech has varied results, but gaining ground
Although some systems were able to meet performance thresholds for all demographic groups, others did show differentials because of issues with obtaining quality photos of people with varying skin tones.
Cloud & Infrastructure
White House mulls scaling up Login-dot-gov to reach every American
A draft of a long-awaited executive order covering digital identity calls for Login-dot-gov services to be made available for state and local programs.
Data & Analytics
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.
Cybersecurity
NIST unveils draft update of identity proofing tech guidance
The science and technology standards agency debuted new guidelines for its policy on identity verification technology, including the testing requirements for facial recognition applications and draft policies for other tools.
Emerging Tech
Biometrics have a role to play in government service delivery, trade group says
The Better Identity Coalition laid out a roadmap for states to tackle digital identity issues Monday, including how to deploy and oversee technologies like facial recognition.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Civic tech grant looks to correct language barriers in UI claims
A tech nonprofit that sprung up during the pandemic is starting a new project focused on language access in the unemployment system.
Data & Analytics
Cyber talent still in high demand
In the last 12 months, more than 769,000 cyber job postings went up in the United States.
Cybersecurity
States must plug into USDA antifraud system for SNAP delivery under new rule
The system, meant to help prevent duplicate participation in a key nutrition program, is expected to make enrollment and oversight easier for state workers who run SNAP and for people receiving benefits.
Data & Analytics
How tech can make food assistance programs easier to use
Modernization and customer experience goals are folded into a new White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health that was released Tuesday.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Labor Department's approach to modular UI tech for states evolves
An ongoing pilot with the U.S. Digital Service, Arkansas and New Jersey is working through challenges related to identity verification.
Emerging Tech