Chaffetz Statement on Secret Service’s IT Mismanagement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) released a statement after the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (OIG) released an audit with alarming findings regarding the United States Secret Service’s (USSS) information technology (IT) management.

“The Secret Service believes they have a core mission to protect the nation’s financial infrastructure from cyber related crimes, yet can’t keep their own systems secure. Despite past warnings, USSS is still unable to assure us their IT systems are safe. The loss or theft of law enforcement sensitive information is disastrous and jeopardizes witnesses involved in criminal cases or the identities of undercover officers, or worse. USSS’ cyber related responsibilities should be moved elsewhere. They lack the right personnel to do the job and senior leadership isn’t accountable.”

Additionally, the Committee sent a letter requesting the OIG investigate instances where the USSS improperly accessed and distributed the personally identifiable information of numerous individuals. The OIG’s audit revealed an environment where weakly-protected IT systems enable USSS employees to access and share sensitive information.

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