Security Remains the Biggest Hurdle for Agencies Moving to the Cloud

A look at the week of May 9 in public advocacy for the IT channel

This week, a federal program meant to standardize private sector IT could be holding up the federal transition to cloud computing. Officials have decided that the Department of Energy should be given authority to order utilities to take action in the case of a cyber emergency. H-1B visas are on decline due to a lackluster economic recovery in the U.S. and more opportunities in workers’ home countries. 

Security Remains the Biggest Hurdle for Agencies Moving to the Cloud, Federal IT Officials Say — Nextgov.com reports that the greatest hurdle to moving government data to the cloud is federal executives' confidence in outside security systems.  One big component of that confidence level is the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) geared at creating a standardized government-wide review of private sector IT. The program was unveiled in November, but immediately ran into trouble when technology companies complained the one-size-fits-all approach was inconsistent with the diversity of programs in the federal government.

Lawmakers Propose Giving DOE Authority over Utilities During Cyber Emergencies — Federal officials, lawmakers and industry leaders have reached consensus that any forthcoming cybersecurity legislation should grant the Department of Energy (DOE) authority to order utilities to take action when there is an emergency threat to critical elements of the electricity grid, reports The National Journal. DOE is one of many agencies currently brokering a sweeping proposal to guard the government, consumers and international partners against cyber predators.

Tech Visas Lose Cachet — The H-1B visa program, designed to supply skilled foreign workers to companies in the U.S., has attracted about 50 percent fewer petitions so far this year than last year, and 80 percent fewer than in 2009. The Wall Street Journal reports that the downturn is due to the lackluster pace of the U.S. recovery, more opportunities for skilled workers in their home nations and higher visa fees. Attacks on the program by congressional foes of U.S. immigration policies have also cast a shadow over the program.