Security at the Department of Defense is Weaker than You Would Think

Security at the Department of Defense is Weaker than You Would Think

Security clearance is given to thousands of people who owe the IRS money.

Security at the Department of Defense is Weaker than You Would Think

A GAO report released on Monday showed that the Department of Defense (DOD) has granted security clearances to over 80,000 employees who collectively owed the IRS over $730 million in back taxes.

In a vacuum this seems bad enough, but when coupled with previous security mishaps at a high level, a disturbing trend starts to appear. It started last June with the scandal involving Edward Snowden, who showed just how capable one employee with access was at revealing a system people think should be most secure of all.

Security clearance became a story once again in September, after Aaron Alexis shot and killed twelve people at the Washington Navy Yard. Alexis was a Navy contractor who had been granted a security clearance even though investigators knew that he falsely reported that he had no prior firearms offenses when he enlisted.

Disclosure of sensitive information has the potential to put national security at risk, which is why government agencies should be taking all possible steps to ensure that security clearances are given only to individuals who pose minimal risk for unauthorized disclosures. The GAO points out in its report that tax debt poses “a potential vulnerability.”

20 percent of employees that were given clearance with tax debt had accrued the debt before they were given access, showing that the DOD does consider this a problem or a potential one. The DOD has simply said that they take someone’s financial status into account with the rest of the specific profile, evaluating based on the whole-person concept.

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

Featured

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.