OMB Reviews Cyber Posture of Federal Websites

The Office of Management and Budget is working to manage 10,000 public-facing federal websites to ensure that each meets existing standards.

In an interview with Federal News Network, Federal Chief Information Officer Clare Martorana, a past Wash100 awardee, said that OMB is working with agency partners, screening the websites and ensuring that each agency has the correct tools to address any risks associated with maintaining a site.

The U.S. Web Design System standards play a significant role in ensuring a safe and secure federal website. General Services Administration Administrator Robin Carnahan used Login .gov as an example of how the government can improve websites while making them accessible to everyone, Federal News Network reported.

Commenting on the U.S. Digital Service’s audit on the Social Security Administration website, Mina Hsiang, USDS administrator at OMB, said the lack of monitoring on the back end and improving the upfront helped provide better services.

Various federal agencies have been working to address vulnerabilities on government-owned websites. In December, the General Services Administration found some federal websites fall “well below expectations” on requirements set by the Rehabilitation Act’s Section 508, recommending investment in the websites to ensure equal access to the public and employees with disabilities.