The US Department of Justice has uncovered serious deficiencies in the management and destruction of electronic media containing sensitive and secret data within the FBI.
Reports from the Department of Justice have highlighted various issues regarding the handling and disposal of electronic media within the FBI. One major concern is the absence of proper mechanisms for tracking information carriers such as hard drives and flash drives once they are removed from devices, increasing the risk of loss or theft.
Furthermore, the report points out inadequate physical security at FBI facilities where the destruction of carriers takes place. Insufficient internal access control, carriers being stored in unprotected environments, and malfunctioning surveillance cameras contribute to the vulnerability of confidential information.
Additionally, the FBI does not consistently label carriers with the appropriate levels of classification (e.g., “secret”, “top secret”), potentially leading to improper usage or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
In response to these findings, the FBI has acknowledged the shortcomings and stated that corrective measures are being implemented. The organization is working on a new directive to address the issues related to tracking information carriers and classifying their levels. Plans are also underway to install secure containers for storing carriers prior to their destruction, which will be monitored by video surveillance.
These measures are designed to enhance physical security and prevent potential information leaks. The Department of Justice has requested a progress report from the FBI regarding the implementation of these corrective actions within the next 90 days.