GAO: Federal Data at Cyber Risk

A look at the week of October 3 in public advocacy for the IT channel: This week, a new report by the Government Accountability Office found that sensitive data in a number of federal agencies remains greatly at risk.  The U.S. remains the most competitive nation for IT despite economic troubles.  The Obama Administration has designated October as National Cybersecurity Awareness month and will be conducting events across the country to promote cyber safety.

GAO: Federal Data at Cyber Risk — Sensitive data housed by a number of federal agencies remains greatly at risk for theft and compromise even as attempts to hack into federal computers and steal government data have risen more than 650 percent over the last five years, says a new report from the Government Accountability Office. That lack of attention to federal data security has top members of Congress in both parties outraged, says Politico.

U.S. Tops IT Competitiveness Rankings — Despite the prolonged economic downturn, the U.S. remains the most competitive nation for information technology, according to a report from the Business Software Alliance (BSA). The group ranked 66 nations on their overall business environment, IT infrastructure, human capital, research and development, legal environment and public support for industry development, reports The Hill. The U.S. came out on top, followed by Finland, Singapore, Sweden, the U.K. and Denmark.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month — This week, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation designating October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The White House Blog reports that throughout October, the Department of Homeland Security will be hosting events across the nation to educate Americans about risks in cyberspace and promote simple steps that everyone can take to protect themselves online.