IT Management

Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Help State and Cities Modernize IT Systems

The bill would provide $120 million annually for seven years to fund tech teams and tech planning grants.  

We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Server: Preparing Network Infrastructure for Future Elections

COMMENTARY | Elections are times of both predictable and unpredictable surges in IT infrastructure strain. Adequately preparing for this reality ahead of time is imperative for state IT leaders.

The Current and Future State of State IT Operations

COMMENTARY | Future trends in state IT were highlighted during the 2020 NASCIO Annual Conference.

Looking to Upgrade Your IT System? Try Standing Up a Digital Services Team

COMMENTARY | Governments are running on IT systems that are too antiquated and complex to be effective. In light of the pressures caused by Covid-19, digital service teams are needed to help government officials upgrade their IT systems to better serve the public.

A State Agency Scraps Its Paper-Based Licensing System

In adopting a digital licensing system, officials at the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission say they moved away not just from stacks and stacks of paper, but also an old mindset.

Feds Charge 2 Men in Ransomware Attack That Hobbled Atlanta

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Albuquerque’s troubled electric buses leave town … Wash. state plastic bag ban proposal … Dallas asset forfeitures ... and D.C.’s clean-energy shift.

After a Ransomware Attack, More Unwelcome News for Local Government Employees

An abundance of caution months after a cyber assault on one municipality’s IT systems.

State Attorney General Releases Report on Surge in Data Breaches

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Charleston, S.C. earthquake risk … Texas air pollutants … and Pennsylvania prison mail lawsuits.

For State CIO Leadership, Strong Communication Is More Important Than Tech Expertise

Major takeaways from NASCIO’s annual survey of state chief information officers.

Good Reminders for Any Manager Leading a Team

Retaining top talent isn’t just about salary. It can also hinge on excitement and boredom.

Blockchain Could Help Bring Renewable Energy to the Power Grid, Experts Tell Congress

But lawmakers want to know how to stop cryptocurrency miners from overwhelming local utility companies.

Cybersecurity Firm: Alaska Targeted Before and After Trade Mission to China

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Wildfire smoke “fully entrenched” in Wash. … Maine judge ready “to go old school on no-show jurors” … new water rules roil San Francisco officials.

Governments Need to Re-tool the IT Workforce (Again)

Leaders should encourage change agents, and those government workers will need to develop and maintain certain skills and capabilities.

Facial Recognition Company CEO: The Tech Is Too Volatile to Give to Law Enforcement

"Software is only as smart as the information it’s fed," according to Brian Brackeen, CEO of Kairos.

How Using Open Wi-Fi Could Get Safer

A standard called Enhanced Open aims to make using free networks more secure than it is now.

Bill Would Prevent States From Messing with Encryption

The bill comes amid an encryption debate that pits national security against cybersecurity.

After a Major Cyber Attack, Does the Public Deserve an Explanation?

The ransomware that crippled Atlanta raises unanswered questions about how to communicate with citizens after a cyber-attack.

Atlanta’s Ransomware Attack Has Lingering Impacts

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Some Kansas higher ed funds restored … Louisiana state lawmakers have fist fight … Michigan leaders have unexpected revenue to use.

Georgia’s National Guard Unit Wants Some Help Prepping for a Big Cyber Test

The Georgia Army National Guard has a cyber readiness inspection coming up and wants a contractor to spend the summer helping it get ready.