FedBytes: Mobile Security, Video Games and the Cloud in Government

It’s been another busy week in the technology world. In fact, it’s been overwhelming, which is why we are compressing it into “byte-size” portions for you. Check back each Monday for a review of news from across the government and the country.

• Security is minimal for mobile devices, so the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has drafted an update to federal guidelines for safeguarding mobile devices. To give agencies greater control of mobile security, NIST recommends using management technology to protect mobile devices. Read more from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
• NIST also wants to let agencies create credentials for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, that comply with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 and give remote users access to network resources. Read more from Federal News Radio.
• The Department of Defense (DoD) released its cloud computing strategy. CIO Teri Takai says that the DoD wants to “take advantage of cloud computing benefits that accelerate IT delivery, efficiency and innovation as an enterprise.” The government document states, “The DoD Cloud Computing Strategy introduces an approach to move the Department from the current state of a duplicative, cumbersome, and costly set of application silos to an end state which is an agile, secure, and cost effective service environment that can rapidly respond to changing mission needs.” Read the full document on the DoD website.
• The DoD is still trying to figure out how to conduct cyberwarfare. The department is working with other agencies, including the departments of Homeland Security, Justice, State, Treasury, and Commerce, to determine rules of engagement and what can be considered an act of cyberwar. Read more on Federal Computer Week.
• The General Accountability Office (GAO) says the DoD still has work to do as it prepares for e-warfare (which is different from cyberwarfare). From a recent GAO report: “DOD has taken steps to address a critical electronic warfare management gap, but it has not established a departmentwide governance framework for electronic warfare.” Read the full report on the GAO website.
• Security researchers have identified new malware that can install backdoors on Windows, Linux and Mac computers, according to antivirus vendors F-Secure and Kaspersky Lab. Read more on Computerworld.
• GovLoop takes a look at HP’s “data center in a box,” which offers benefits such as high energy efficiency and quick deployment. Read more on GovLoop.
• More than frivolous fun? Microsoft keeps improving the usability of its Kinect technology, which lets users control computing devices through body movements. How long before the technology becomes useful for federal agencies? Read more on Engadget.

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