The Fed Mission Success Round Up: Cybersecurity, Modernization, and More in Federal Agencies

Weekly News Round Up
Written By Elle Newman

Welcome to the Fed Mission Success News Round Up brought to you by Makpar. Each week, we will provide a summary of actionable news and insights to help aid in overall mission success for Federal agency IT decision-makers and influencers. 

NIST Revises Cybersecurity Guidelines Specifically for HIPAA 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology updated its guidance on how healthcare organizations and companies can protect their patients’ data security through new cybersecurity recommendations. Published on Thursday, the new cybersecurity draft resource guide specifically works to help agencies comply with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Security Rule that stipulates the need to protect sensitive health data. Patient data confidentiality, availability and integrity are emphasized in the recommended implementation guidance. 

Official: White House to Meet with Rail Industry Before Issuing Cybersecurity Rules 

The White House plans to consult with leaders of the rail industry next month on a new cybersecurity directive. The meeting comes as the Office of the National Cyber Director prepares a more comprehensive approach to securing privately owned and operated critical infrastructure. 

Biden Administration Looks to Jumpstart Cyber Training 

At a White House event, the Labor and Commerce Departments announced a 120-day apprenticeship sprint to offer pathways into cybersecurity jobs. 

TSA Revises Cyber Rules for Pipelines 

The Transportation Security Administration revised its cybersecurity guidelines for the nation's critical pipeline operators and companies, to take into account industry requests for more flexibility in defending their networks. Guidelines were first put in place last July in response to the May 2021 hack of Colonial Pipeline's business systems. The company shut off fuel delivery to much of the East Coast for six days to recover from the attack.   

Agencies are Ramping Up Hybrid Cloud Adoption 

The Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Navy and the Department of Veterans Affairs are leveraging hybrid cloud environments to find new operational efficiencies. 

 President Biden Nominates OSTP Director 

President Joe Biden announced his nomination of Dr. Arati Prabhakar to serve as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. 

GAO Highlights OPM's Outstanding Issues in Hiring, Performance Management 

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued an update to its priority open recommendations for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The updated report outlines 15 of the 68 open recommendations issued by the watchdog. Among the GAO recommendations to OPM having a direct impact on the federal government are (1) improving the federal classification system; (2) making hiring authorities more effective; (3) improving payroll data; (4) addressing employee misconduct and improving performance management; and (5) strengthening IT security and management. 

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Elle Newman
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