Information Technology and Cybersecurity: Significant Attention Is Needed to Address High-Risk Areas

In its March 2021 high-risk series update, GAO reported that significant attention was needed to improve the federal government’s management of information technology (IT) acquisitions and operations, and ensure the nation’s cybersecurity. Regarding management of IT, overall progress in addressing this area has remained unchanged. Since 2019, GAO has emphasized that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and covered federal agencies need to continue to fully implement critical requirements of federal IT acquisition reform legislation, known as the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA), to better manage tens of billions of dollars in IT investments.