Revamping Government Tech: A Call for Modernization and Action
Written on
The Case for Modernizing Government Technology
In recent years, political divisions have deepened, particularly influenced by the actions of our 45th president, creating a narrative that rational discourse is nearly impossible. However, there exists a common ground that both sides can acknowledge: state governments are wasting significant time and resources maintaining outdated computer systems. This issue arguably represents a crucial element in fostering effective governance and a well-ordered society in today's digital era. Technology serves as the backbone of government, and when properly leveraged, it enhances service delivery—from renewing driver’s licenses to filing taxes. Failing to modernize essential government infrastructure for the digital landscape risks catastrophic outcomes, as evidenced by challenges faced by states like New Jersey.
A report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that the federal government typically allocates over $90 billion annually for information technology, with a majority of these funds directed toward operating and sustaining existing systems, particularly legacy systems. Out of 65 legacy systems reviewed, 10 were flagged as critically needing modernization, costing around $337 million just to maintain. These systems were evaluated for outdated hardware, software, and coding, alongside the significant security vulnerabilities they pose.
The urgency of addressing cyber deficiencies was highlighted in the Homeland Threat Assessment by the Department of Homeland Security, showing that these issues demand the same level of attention typically reserved for major cyberattacks, terrorism, and natural disasters. Since the pandemic's onset, the FBI reported a staggering 300% rise in cybercrime, with cloud-based attacks surging by 630% during the early months of 2020. To illustrate the gravity of this situation, the average cost of a data breach reached $3.86 million in 2020, with the average identification time for a breach being 207 days and the lifecycle extending to 280 days from detection to resolution.
One of the most significant cyber espionage events in U.S. history occurred in 2020, with a breach that began in March and was publicly disclosed only in December. This incident involved a hacking group, Cozy Bear (APT 29), associated with the Russian intelligence agency, which compromised multiple federal agencies.
Evaluating Outdated Systems in Key Government Agencies
Let's examine five government agencies and the outdated technology that they continue to rely on:
- The U.S. Air Force operates a system for assessing aircraft readiness that still employs COBOL, a programming language from the post-World War II period, which is rarely taught today. Consequently, governments face high costs to hire IT professionals skilled in this antiquated language. The Social Security Administration also utilizes COBOL for retirement benefits, often rehiring former staff familiar with this complex code. Similarly, the Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Transportation rely on COBOL for critical operations.
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) operates on assembly language code for its master file, which assesses public taxes and processes refunds. This low-level programming, created in 1947, is labor-intensive and prone to errors, leading to difficulties in addressing refund fraud. Maintaining this system costs around $13.6 million.
- The Department of Defense uses a 53-year-old backup system that communicates emergency action messages for nuclear forces. This system relies on 8-inch floppy disks, which lack the storage capacity of modern flash drives. The GAO has noted that acquiring replacement parts is a challenge due to their obsolescence.
- At the Department of the Interior, an 18-year-old industrial control system manages dams and power plants but runs on unsupported hardware, leaving it vulnerable without security updates or bug fixes.
- The Department of Education has struggled to prevent unauthorized devices from accessing its network since 2011, managing to limit this access to just 90 seconds—sufficient time for a cyber intruder to exploit internal resources. This department safeguards sensitive financial data for students and parents applying for loans.
The consequences of outdated systems are tangible. Recall the 2018 incident in Hawaii, where a missile alert mistakenly sent residents into panic for 38 minutes due to human error with a confusing interface. The flawed design and outdated technology were pivotal in this alarming event.
The ongoing pandemic has further underscored the urgency for modernization. State labor departments are overwhelmed with unemployment applications, while the federal government struggled to process loans under the CARES Act due to breaches in the Small Business Administration's online portal. Many local governments faced delays in upgrading their systems for remote education, highlighting the challenges of using antiquated technology during a crisis.
Immediate Actions Needed for Modernization
- Coalition of Experts: Establish a coalition combining public and private sector experts to identify and address technological gaps across state government branches. This group will oversee system upgrades, assess risks, and implement innovative solutions.
- Revolving Fund for System Replacement: Collaborate with IT funds to create a sustainable revolving fund for the timely replacement and upgrading of outdated systems, ensuring future maintenance to prevent systemic failures.
- Cyber-Education Initiatives: Encourage each state agency to form cyber education committees focused on teaching innovative coding languages and cybersecurity practices to staff, ensuring they can effectively respond to threats.
- Universal Broadband Infrastructure: Develop secure broadband networks that connect every community, enhancing access to essential services and fostering a user-centric government approach.
- Cyber Protection Strategies: Work with federal agencies to improve tracking of cybercriminals and safeguard academic, research, and industrial networks from espionage.
- User-Centric Government Model: Create a digital infrastructure that treats citizens as users, allowing for streamlined data management and enhancing the efficiency of government services.
- International Data Study: Initiate research to analyze successful international e-government systems, particularly looking at models like Estonia, which boasts advanced digital governance and e-residency programs.
- Incentivizing Technological Innovation: Provide grants to local governments that successfully implement technologies improving residents' lives, thereby promoting efficient governance.
The pandemic has revealed the critical need for government agencies to modernize their digital infrastructure. This is a bipartisan issue that requires immediate attention to ensure the government can fulfill its fundamental responsibilities in the digital age. The cost of upgrading outdated technology is significantly lower than the repercussions of a systemic failure.
Explore how to achieve a six-figure income in government tech without prior experience or a degree. Discover pathways and opportunities.
Watch demonstrations on technology and service delivery in government, showcasing innovative solutions and best practices.
Read more at babspac.com