DHS Failed to Secure Intelligence Staff Phones, Watchdog Finds
The watchdog said 76% of apps on intelligence staff phones were risky or banned, and DHS plans fixes by January 2027.
- A report released Monday by the Homeland Security Department's Inspector General found personnel in the Intelligence office failed to implement proper security precautions on smartphones, risking cyberattacks and exposure of sensitive information.
- The Inspector General found 76% of apps on Office devices 'pose security risks, are prohibited or allow prohibited activities,' while employees were permitted to reuse passcodes, increasing unauthorized access risks.
- Records for only 11% of smartphones were maintained, and only three of 10 international trips followed proper protocols; vulnerable apps developed by the Office were downloaded 375,000 times.
- DHS Officials acknowledged the findings, claiming the security risks occurred under the Biden administration, while stating the Department is working to resolve vulnerabilities to keep Americans safe.
- Compromised devices could allow attackers to execute malicious code, steal information, or eavesdrop using phone sensors. The Department concurred with Inspector General recommendations, planning to resolve all issues by January 2027.
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4 Articles
Inspector General Says DHS Staff Risked Cyberattacks With Government Smartphones
The Department of Homeland Security's intelligence analysis office may have exposed sensitive information to cyberattacks, according to a new report from the department's internal watchdog. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/APThe Department of Homeland Security’s team charged with intelligence analysis may have exposed sensitive information to cyberattacks, according to a new report from DHS’ internal watchdog.The Office of the Inspector General outlined…
Homeland Security Failed to Secure Phones
New York Times: “The Department of Homeland Security failed to effectively secure smartphones used by staff in its intelligence office, raising the risk of cyberattacks and unauthorized access to sensitive information, the department’s inspector general said in a report published Monday.”
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