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GAO On Security
Mike Hudack
Editor-in-Chief
The General Accounting Office, usually responsible for audits of everything from spending to employment expertise is now beginning to focus on computer security. A string of recently released reports regarding security -- on topics ranging from encryption strength to security auditing -- show this new focus.
According to one GAO staffer, "this area has been seriously neglected when it comes to the government."
This new situation is bothering some federal employees who believe that convenience is more important than security. One said "weīre not in intelligence here. Weīre in the business of keeping this government running," about the situation -- emphasizing the resentment felt throughout the government.
The GAO has previously gone after everyone from the Energy Department to NASA and is now in discussions with the Justice Department and other Executive departments. Reports from the GAO, some sealed and some public, are very critical of the security situation in government.
Recently the GAO has been instrumental in encryption upgrading at several branches of the government, most notably the Justice Department. The Justice Department as a whole isnīt that upset with the new situation -- theyīre happy about their new security.
The problem comes mostly with scientists who donīt want to deal with the lack of convenience. Itīs something of culture shock for security to suddenly become an issue in this era of scientific development and information sharing. As one scientist said, "the last time I had to worry about security was when I worked with the defense department. Iīm in NASA now."
The GAO, however, isnīt backing down. Security -- both national and informational is becoming a primary concern at the agency. In the past they have even gone so far as to ask NSA staffers to audit government computers -- and they arenīt planning to stop. |
