D.H.S. Intelligence Office Did Not Properly Secure Smartphones, Watchdog Says
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) failed to adequately secure smartphones used by its intelligence office staff, increasing risks of cyberattacks and unauthorized access to sensitive information, according to a report by the department’s inspector general.
- The watchdog found that DHS did not enforce necessary security settings and allowed employees to download high-risk apps, including those linked to streaming services and foreign adversaries.
- The vulnerabilities affect an office responsible for identifying national security threats and providing intelligence to state and local partners, highlighting risks within a critical component of DHS’s broader mission beyond immigration enforcement.
- DHS acknowledged the report’s findings, agreed with the recommendations, and stated it had already implemented some security improvements, while also attributing some responsibility to the Biden administration in its response.
