Critical Security Lapses in U.S. Government Systems Examined

Nov 19, 2002 •

Anthony Pell

1 min read

Topics Covered

data protection security breach insider threat government systems federal operations

Some of the U.S. government's most important computer systems continue to suffer significant security lapses despite renewed focus protecting them against terrorist attacks, congressional investigators said Tuesday. . . Some of the U.S. government's most important computer systems continue to suffer significant security lapses despite renewed focus protecting them against terrorist attacks, congressional investigators said Tuesday.

In a report to a House panel, the General Accounting Office said it found ``pervasive' weaknesses in federal technology systems at the 24 largest departments and agencies. Among the worst problems were weak protections at nearly all agencies against insiders attempting sabotage or personally profit by destroying or stealing sensitive information.

The failures put at risk federal payments, taxpayer data and medical records. ``Critical federal operations and assets remain at risk,' the GAO said.