Department of Homeland Security failed to terminate the security credentials for thousands of its former employees, an internal watchdog reported Thursday.
QUICK FACTS:
- An internal watchdog disclosed in a report this week that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) failed to collect thousands of security credentials of former employees, one of its most basic safety procedures.
- “There is a risk that individuals who no longer require access to systems and facilities could circumvent controls and enter DHS buildings and controlled areas,” the watchdog said.
- The news from the DHS inspector general reveals that the federal agency in charge of protecting America left its systems vulnerable to attack.
- “DHS has not prioritized ensuring that PIV cards are terminated when individuals no longer require access,” the report continued.
- According to the report, failure to follow basic protocol means that the department “cannot ensure only authorized employees and contractors have access to its controlled systems and facilities.”
- “We determined that, in thousands of cases, DHS did not promptly revoke PIV card access privileges or destroy PIV cards of individuals who separated from the Department,” the watchdog concluded.
DHS WATCHDOG ON THE AGENCY NOT COLLECTING SECURITY CLEARANCES FROM FORMER EMPLOYEES:
“DHS did not always promptly withdraw security clearances of individuals who separated from DHS. Unfortunately, we could not determine the exact magnitude of the problem because records in DHS’ information systems were incomplete,” the watchdog reported.
BACKGROUND:
- In June 2022, the DHS faced criticism after the agency formed a ‘Disinformation Governance Board’ with the purpose of monitoring American free speech and censoring “Conspiracy theories,” according to documents provided by a whistleblower to Congress.
- The Biden admin’s DHS paused the Disinformation Governance Board following a monumental backlash from Republicans, libertarians, and even some liberals.
- White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre attempted to distance the West Wing from the initiative, insisting “we did not have involvement in this at all” when asked if top officials had ordered the halt.
- A DHS spokesperson emphasized the Board was “grossly and intentionally mischaracterized,” saying, “It was never about censorship or policing speech in any manner. It was designed to ensure we fulfill our mission to protect the homeland, while protecting core Constitutional rights.”
