Home > News > featured news > HHS Trimmed Minority Outreach Pages From Obamacare Website

HHS Trimmed Minority Outreach Pages From Obamacare Website

Government Executive | February 28, 2019

The Health and Human Services Department’s minority outreach office, beginning early in the Trump administration, removed or relocated online materials designed to orient minorities and non-English-language speakers about benefits under the Affordable Care Act. So concluded the Sunlight Foundation’s Web Integrity Project, in the latest in its series monitoring subtle and often-unannounced changes to agency websites. In a study of HHS’s Office of Minority Health, researchers reconstructing past Web pages found that from January 2017 to January 2019, that office removed Obamacare-related webpages, links and references. Acknowledging that different agencies have different interpretations of their obligations for making government materials more readily accessible to non-English speakers, the monitors questioned the intentions of the website changes.

Spotlight

DOT and Industry Have Efforts Under Way, but DOT Needs to Define Its Role in Responding to a Realworld Attack

Modern vehicles contain multiple interfaces—connections between the vehicle and external networks—that leave vehicle systems, including safety-critical systems, such as braking and steering, vulnerable to cyberattacks. Researchers have shown that these interfaces—if not properly secured—can be exploited through direct, physical access to a vehicle, as well as remotely through shortrange and long-range wireless channels. For example, researchers have shown that attackers could compromise vulnerabilities in the short-range wireless connections to vehicles’ Bluetooth units—which enable hands-free cell phone use—to gain access to in-vehicle networks, to take control over safety-critical functions such as the brakes. Among the interfaces that can be exploited through direct access, most stakeholders we spoke with expressed concerns about the statutorily mandated on-board diagnostics port, which provides access to a broad range of vehicle systems for emissions and diagnostic testing purposes. However, the majority of selected industry stakeholders we spoke with (23 out of 32) agreed that wireless attacks, such as those exploiting vulnerabilities in vehicles’ built-in cellular-calling capabilities, would pose the largest risk to passenger safety. Such attacks could potentially impact a large number of vehicles and allow an attacker to access targeted vehicles from anywhere in the world. Despite these concerns, some stakeholders pointed out that such attacks remain difficult because of the time and expertise needed to carry them out and thus far have not been reported outside of the research environment.

More featured news

Spotlight

DOT and Industry Have Efforts Under Way, but DOT Needs to Define Its Role in Responding to a Realworld Attack

Modern vehicles contain multiple interfaces—connections between the vehicle and external networks—that leave vehicle systems, including safety-critical systems, such as braking and steering, vulnerable to cyberattacks. Researchers have shown that these interfaces—if not properly secured—can be exploited through direct, physical access to a vehicle, as well as remotely through shortrange and long-range wireless channels. For example, researchers have shown that attackers could compromise vulnerabilities in the short-range wireless connections to vehicles’ Bluetooth units—which enable hands-free cell phone use—to gain access to in-vehicle networks, to take control over safety-critical functions such as the brakes. Among the interfaces that can be exploited through direct access, most stakeholders we spoke with expressed concerns about the statutorily mandated on-board diagnostics port, which provides access to a broad range of vehicle systems for emissions and diagnostic testing purposes. However, the majority of selected industry stakeholders we spoke with (23 out of 32) agreed that wireless attacks, such as those exploiting vulnerabilities in vehicles’ built-in cellular-calling capabilities, would pose the largest risk to passenger safety. Such attacks could potentially impact a large number of vehicles and allow an attacker to access targeted vehicles from anywhere in the world. Despite these concerns, some stakeholders pointed out that such attacks remain difficult because of the time and expertise needed to carry them out and thus far have not been reported outside of the research environment.

Related News

GOVERNMENT FINANCE

BigBear.ai Awarded New Contracts

BigBear.ai | November 23, 2021

BigBear.ai , a leading provider of artificial intelligence ("AI"), machine learning, cloud-based big data analytics, and cyber engineering solutions, today announced that it has been awarded two new government contracts. The United States Army has awarded the Company one of two Global Force Management (“GFIM”) Phase 1 Prototype contracts. GFIM, part of PEO EIS's Army Data and Analytics Platforms (“ARDAP”) portfolio, collaborates with the Army G-3/5/7 to manage and deliver this prototype contract. In addition, BigBear.ai subsidiary, PCI, has been awarded a five-year, single award contract by the National Security Agency (NSA). Dr. Reggie Brothers, BigBear.ai Chief Executive Officer, said, “Together, these two new contract awards demonstrate our growing momentum among both new and existing customers as we approach our anticipated public listing later this year. We are proud to support our customers in executing their critical missions to keep our Nation safe.” Global Force Management Contract Under the terms of the GFIM contract, BigBear.ai will develop and demonstrate a platform that integrates force structure, readiness, mobilization, and requirements validation to meet service and Global Force Management requirements. This integrated planning, programming, and production capability will serve as the single-entry point for conducting force management activities for an Army "at rest" and “in motion.” The solution will be a transformational approach to the Army's ability to enable its Deploy to Redeploy and Retrograde of Materiel end-to-end business process from the enterprise to the tactical edge. BigBear.ai will deploy a No-Code/Low-Code (NC/LC) workflow automation platform in a configurable, scalable environment to fulfill the Army requirements. The resulting transactional capability will deliver automated workflow, robotic process automation, and AI/Machine Learning (ML) capabilities while saving person-hours, reducing IT spend, and subsuming a portfolio of 13 legacy systems. "BigBear.ai and our valued teammates are truly excited to partner with the Army G-3/5/7 and PEO EIS on this transformational program. When fully operational, this solution will support 160,000 users, including senior leaders and combatant commanders from company through division levels, enabling the Army to achieve decision dominance to make data-driven force structure decisions faster and with confidence." Ryan Legge, BigBear.ai Analytics Sector President National Security Agency Contract Under the terms of the NSA contract, BigBear.ai subsidiary PCI will support the development and implementation of strategic priorities and operations by gathering, interpreting, and translating federal executive-level strategic guidance into actionable initiatives aligned to appropriate organizational mission areas. Dr. Brothers stated, “This award continues the decade-long relationship that BigBear.ai has had supporting NSA in the development and implementation of strategy, plans, and guidance to gain a decision advantage for our Nation and to deliver next generation capabilities and solutions.” About BigBear.ai A leader in decision dominance for more than 20 years, BigBear.ai operationalizes artificial intelligence and machine learning at scale through its end-to-end data analytics platform. The company uses its proprietary AI/ML technology to support its customers' decision-making processes and deliver practical solutions that work in complex, realistic, and imperfect data environments. In addition, BigBear.ai's composable AI-powered platform solutions work together as often as they stand alone: Observe (data ingestion and conflation), Orient (composable machine learning at scale), and Dominate (visual anticipatory intelligence and optimization).

Read More

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

StrikeForce Strengthens it’s Government Relations Capabilities with Ankura Consulting Group, LLC.

StrikeForce Technologies, Inc. | May 05, 2022

StrikeForce Technologies, Inc., a cyber security company that provides next-gen cyber, data protection & Secure Video Conferencing solutions for SMB’s, Enterprises & Government agencies, announced that they signed an engagement agreement with Ankura Consulting LLC., to help expand StrikeForce’s footprint within the Federal Government and Intelligence communities. “As part of our scope of work, Ankura will assist StrikeForce in facilitation of government and commercial opportunities, as well as help secure a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to advance their technology and platform certifications. StrikeForce’s timing is perfect,” says Dean Thomas, Managing Director at Ankura. “On May 12th, President Biden signed an Executive Order charting a course to Improve the Nation’s Cybersecurity and Protect Federal Government Networks. We plan to take full advantage of this opportunity and introduce StrikeForce’s solutions everywhere we can.” We are really excited about working with the Ankura Consulting Group. Their global team of cybersecurity practitioners includes leaders with extensive experience as members of the intelligence community, law enforcement personnel and federal agents, digital forensic specialists, and founders of pioneering cyber technology firms. Their experts have handled some of the largest and most sensitive cybersecurity incidents and regularly advise leading organizations on the data privacy policies.” Mark L. Kay, CEO of StrikeForce “All the pieces are coming together quite nicely,” says Kay. “If you want to expand in the Federal Government and Intelligence communities you need to partner with a team that is well seasoned, have extensive relationships, and understand how the procurement process works. That’s why we choose Ankura.” About StrikeForce Technologies Inc. StrikeForce Technologies helps to prevent Cyber theft and data security breaches for consumers, corporations, and government agencies. It provides powerful two-factor, “Out-of-Band” authentication, keystroke encryption along with mobile solutions. StrikeForce Technologies, Inc. is headquartered in Edison, N.J. About Ankura Ankura Consulting Group, LLC is an independent global expert services and advisory firm that delivers services and end-to-end solutions to help clients at critical inflection points related to change, risk, disputes, finance, performance, distress, and transformation. The Ankura team consists of more than 1,500 professionals serving 3000+ clients across 55 countries who are leaders in their respective fields and areas of expertise. Collaborative lateral thinking, hard-earned experience, expertise, and multidisciplinary capabilities drive results and Ankura is unrivaled in its ability to assist clients to Protect, Create, and Recover Value.

Read More

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

Jacobs Wins Contract for the US Army Intelligence and Security Command

Jacobs | August 17, 2021

Jacobs (NYSE:J) was awarded a task order contract by the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) to provide counterintelligence, counterterrorism and human intelligence support to the 902nd Military Intelligence Group at Fort Meade, Maryland. The contract has a value of $235 million over a five-year period. "Jacobs continues to bolster its cyber and intelligence portfolio with this significant contract, which builds on our longstanding relationship with the U.S. Army and reinforces our commitment to support the mission of the 902nd Military Intelligence Group and INSCOM," said Jacobs Critical Mission Solutions Senior Vice President of Cyber & Intelligence Caesar Nieves. "To meet the continuously evolving threats facing national security, we're harnessing our advanced cyber and intelligence solutions along with our integrated approach and wide-ranging program support capabilities to deliver innovative, mission-focused outcomes that are important to our customers." As part of the task order, Jacobs will perform work that enables critical sensitive activities in the areas of cyber intrusion damage assessment, geospatial intelligence, language-enabled socio-cultural analysis, digital media forensics and human intelligence targeting. At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With $14 billion in revenue and a talent force of approximately 55,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector.

Read More

GOVERNMENT FINANCE

BigBear.ai Awarded New Contracts

BigBear.ai | November 23, 2021

BigBear.ai , a leading provider of artificial intelligence ("AI"), machine learning, cloud-based big data analytics, and cyber engineering solutions, today announced that it has been awarded two new government contracts. The United States Army has awarded the Company one of two Global Force Management (“GFIM”) Phase 1 Prototype contracts. GFIM, part of PEO EIS's Army Data and Analytics Platforms (“ARDAP”) portfolio, collaborates with the Army G-3/5/7 to manage and deliver this prototype contract. In addition, BigBear.ai subsidiary, PCI, has been awarded a five-year, single award contract by the National Security Agency (NSA). Dr. Reggie Brothers, BigBear.ai Chief Executive Officer, said, “Together, these two new contract awards demonstrate our growing momentum among both new and existing customers as we approach our anticipated public listing later this year. We are proud to support our customers in executing their critical missions to keep our Nation safe.” Global Force Management Contract Under the terms of the GFIM contract, BigBear.ai will develop and demonstrate a platform that integrates force structure, readiness, mobilization, and requirements validation to meet service and Global Force Management requirements. This integrated planning, programming, and production capability will serve as the single-entry point for conducting force management activities for an Army "at rest" and “in motion.” The solution will be a transformational approach to the Army's ability to enable its Deploy to Redeploy and Retrograde of Materiel end-to-end business process from the enterprise to the tactical edge. BigBear.ai will deploy a No-Code/Low-Code (NC/LC) workflow automation platform in a configurable, scalable environment to fulfill the Army requirements. The resulting transactional capability will deliver automated workflow, robotic process automation, and AI/Machine Learning (ML) capabilities while saving person-hours, reducing IT spend, and subsuming a portfolio of 13 legacy systems. "BigBear.ai and our valued teammates are truly excited to partner with the Army G-3/5/7 and PEO EIS on this transformational program. When fully operational, this solution will support 160,000 users, including senior leaders and combatant commanders from company through division levels, enabling the Army to achieve decision dominance to make data-driven force structure decisions faster and with confidence." Ryan Legge, BigBear.ai Analytics Sector President National Security Agency Contract Under the terms of the NSA contract, BigBear.ai subsidiary PCI will support the development and implementation of strategic priorities and operations by gathering, interpreting, and translating federal executive-level strategic guidance into actionable initiatives aligned to appropriate organizational mission areas. Dr. Brothers stated, “This award continues the decade-long relationship that BigBear.ai has had supporting NSA in the development and implementation of strategy, plans, and guidance to gain a decision advantage for our Nation and to deliver next generation capabilities and solutions.” About BigBear.ai A leader in decision dominance for more than 20 years, BigBear.ai operationalizes artificial intelligence and machine learning at scale through its end-to-end data analytics platform. The company uses its proprietary AI/ML technology to support its customers' decision-making processes and deliver practical solutions that work in complex, realistic, and imperfect data environments. In addition, BigBear.ai's composable AI-powered platform solutions work together as often as they stand alone: Observe (data ingestion and conflation), Orient (composable machine learning at scale), and Dominate (visual anticipatory intelligence and optimization).

Read More

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

StrikeForce Strengthens it’s Government Relations Capabilities with Ankura Consulting Group, LLC.

StrikeForce Technologies, Inc. | May 05, 2022

StrikeForce Technologies, Inc., a cyber security company that provides next-gen cyber, data protection & Secure Video Conferencing solutions for SMB’s, Enterprises & Government agencies, announced that they signed an engagement agreement with Ankura Consulting LLC., to help expand StrikeForce’s footprint within the Federal Government and Intelligence communities. “As part of our scope of work, Ankura will assist StrikeForce in facilitation of government and commercial opportunities, as well as help secure a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to advance their technology and platform certifications. StrikeForce’s timing is perfect,” says Dean Thomas, Managing Director at Ankura. “On May 12th, President Biden signed an Executive Order charting a course to Improve the Nation’s Cybersecurity and Protect Federal Government Networks. We plan to take full advantage of this opportunity and introduce StrikeForce’s solutions everywhere we can.” We are really excited about working with the Ankura Consulting Group. Their global team of cybersecurity practitioners includes leaders with extensive experience as members of the intelligence community, law enforcement personnel and federal agents, digital forensic specialists, and founders of pioneering cyber technology firms. Their experts have handled some of the largest and most sensitive cybersecurity incidents and regularly advise leading organizations on the data privacy policies.” Mark L. Kay, CEO of StrikeForce “All the pieces are coming together quite nicely,” says Kay. “If you want to expand in the Federal Government and Intelligence communities you need to partner with a team that is well seasoned, have extensive relationships, and understand how the procurement process works. That’s why we choose Ankura.” About StrikeForce Technologies Inc. StrikeForce Technologies helps to prevent Cyber theft and data security breaches for consumers, corporations, and government agencies. It provides powerful two-factor, “Out-of-Band” authentication, keystroke encryption along with mobile solutions. StrikeForce Technologies, Inc. is headquartered in Edison, N.J. About Ankura Ankura Consulting Group, LLC is an independent global expert services and advisory firm that delivers services and end-to-end solutions to help clients at critical inflection points related to change, risk, disputes, finance, performance, distress, and transformation. The Ankura team consists of more than 1,500 professionals serving 3000+ clients across 55 countries who are leaders in their respective fields and areas of expertise. Collaborative lateral thinking, hard-earned experience, expertise, and multidisciplinary capabilities drive results and Ankura is unrivaled in its ability to assist clients to Protect, Create, and Recover Value.

Read More

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

Jacobs Wins Contract for the US Army Intelligence and Security Command

Jacobs | August 17, 2021

Jacobs (NYSE:J) was awarded a task order contract by the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) to provide counterintelligence, counterterrorism and human intelligence support to the 902nd Military Intelligence Group at Fort Meade, Maryland. The contract has a value of $235 million over a five-year period. "Jacobs continues to bolster its cyber and intelligence portfolio with this significant contract, which builds on our longstanding relationship with the U.S. Army and reinforces our commitment to support the mission of the 902nd Military Intelligence Group and INSCOM," said Jacobs Critical Mission Solutions Senior Vice President of Cyber & Intelligence Caesar Nieves. "To meet the continuously evolving threats facing national security, we're harnessing our advanced cyber and intelligence solutions along with our integrated approach and wide-ranging program support capabilities to deliver innovative, mission-focused outcomes that are important to our customers." As part of the task order, Jacobs will perform work that enables critical sensitive activities in the areas of cyber intrusion damage assessment, geospatial intelligence, language-enabled socio-cultural analysis, digital media forensics and human intelligence targeting. At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With $14 billion in revenue and a talent force of approximately 55,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector.

Read More

More featured news