Election security is top of mind across the United States, from concern about malign foreign interference, to DDoS attacks against election websites, to the security of voting machines and their software, to insider and third-party threats, even to “swatting” of local election officials, to name just a few. At the heart of all these threats is the intent to change the outcome of political races. Outcomes, in the end, are determined...

All the elements of the U.S. healthcare system are under siege by hackers. A recent article in Modern Healthcare reported that “[o]ver the past five years, there’s been a 256% increase in large breaches reported to [the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services] involving hacking and a 264% increase in ransomware.” Federal health agencies face the same risks – and private-sector attacks ripple through the agencies, a...

Internal control is an important focus for auditors as they commonly identify weaknesses in internal controls as an underlying cause of organizations struggling to deliver effective and efficient results. Through lecture, group discussions, and case studies, this course provides auditors with a comprehensive understanding of the five components of internal control and the 17 underlying principles. The course will explain the audit planning and...

While the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) and Common Access Card (CAC) represent a high assurance, technically interoperable, and a highly regulated method of authentication, they suffer from factors such as ease of use, ability to work with mobile devices and across devices. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum M-19-17, Enabling Mission Delivery Through Improved Identity, Credential, and Access Management, opened the door for...

You are invited to attend Acquisition Training for the Real World’s Summer Camp event, July 15 - 19, 2024! During the procurement process, there are many questions that are asked, but are they always beneficial? The DHS Procurement Innovation Lab (PIL) Team will lead a session about how asking the right questions at the right time during the procurement process will lead to better mission outcomes. This includes questions developed and a...

You are invited to attend Acquisition Training for the Real World’s Summer Camp event, July 15 - 19, 2024! This week-long series of two hour, virtual training sessions features engaging thought leaders who know the challenges that acquisition professionals face and can provide real-world solutions. Participants can earn up to 10 CLPs over the week! Classes offered this session include: Quest for Clarity: Asking the Right Procurement Ques...

The continuous evolution of technology presents us with a dynamic landscape filled with both promise and challenges. As the internet gained widespread adoption, it revolutionized various aspects of our lives, introducing innovations such as online shopping and real-time news updates, alongside issues like spam, phishing, and malware. Traditionally, government entities have been cautious in adopting new technologies, often due to regulatory con...

You are invited to attend Acquisition Training for the Real World’s Summer Camp event, July 15 - 19, 2024! Unleash the power of GSA Global Supply in our specialized training! Dive deep into requisition-based ordering for a vast array of products, from office essentials to tools and cleaning supplies—all compliant with federal procurement standards. Discover seamless ordering and payment options designed to streamline your purchasin...

You are invited to attend Acquisition Training for the Real World’s Summer Camp event, July 15 - 19, 2024! Uncover the secrets of market research with our exclusive webinar! Dive into a wealth of market research tools, including GSA eTools, GSA Advantage!, GSA eLibrary, and BUY.GSA.GOV. Plus, discover how to access "Market Research as a Service" (MRAS), delivering essential market data to federal, state, and local agencies at no cost! Wh...

States’ voter registration systems and voter access have undergone a host of changes over the past five years, thanks in large part to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many states expanded vote-by-mail options, stepped up automatic voter registration programs, or both. Cities took action, as well – Los Angeles, for instance, has overhauled its voting system infrastructure, using open source, the cloud, and cybersecurity partnerships to updat...