Current:Home > ScamsPentagon to tighten oversight of handling classified information in wake of leaks-LoTradeCoin
Pentagon to tighten oversight of handling classified information in wake of leaks
View Date:2024-12-24 22:07:14
A Pentagon review ordered in the wake of alleged classified leaks by a national guardsman found oversight policies have not kept up with the rapid increase in the number of people who have access to the nation's defense secrets.
"As the department's population of cleared personnel and the number of facilities have grown over the past years, it has underscored the need to have a comprehensive and evolving security in-depth posture," a senior defense official told reporters Wednesday.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the 45-day review into the Defense Department's security programs, policies and procedures after embarrassing leaks of classified information allegedly by 21-year-old Jack Teixeira started appearing in the news.
This review examined the Defense Department holistically, not specifically Teixeira or his unit. It did not find a systemic problem within the department but did point out areas where processes could be standardized in the near term and left the door open for new policies in the long term.
"What the review team found was ambiguity in the policies that create inconsistencies as you get further and further out into the department," the official said.
In the near term, the Pentagon plans to clarify "need to know" access to classified information, both printed and electronic. One question raised by Teixeira's alleged leaks is why a 21-year-old airman in the Massachusetts Air National Guard had printouts of highly sensitive information.
Other steps include creating a Joint Management Office for insider threats, requiring "top secret control officers" and developing a central tracking system for the Defense Department's sensitive compartmented information facilities (SCIFs) and Special Access Program Facilities (SAPFs.)
The 45-day review is just one of the reviews triggered by the leaks earlier this year. The Air Force inspector general is investigating Teixeira's unit and policies on handling classified information there, and the Department of Justice is pursuing a criminal case against Teixeira.
Eleanor WatsonCBS News reporter covering the Pentagon.
TwitterveryGood! (3)
Related
- California researchers discover mysterious, gelatinous new sea slug
- Jennifer Garner Shares Insight Into Daughter Violet’s College Prep
- Canada says Google will pay $74 million annually to Canadian news industry under new online law
- House Speaker Mike Johnson has reservations about expelling George Santos, says members should vote their conscience
- Brush fire erupts in Brooklyn's iconic Prospect Park amid prolonged drought
- Jason Kelce's Wife Kylie Reveals What It's Really Like Marrying into His and Travis Kelce's Family
- Ohio bill to ban diversity training requirements in higher education stalls in GOP House
- Blind golden mole that swims in sand detected in South Africa for first time in 87 years
- Utah AD Mark Harlan rips officials following loss to BYU, claims game was 'stolen from us'
- The body of a missing 7-year-old boy was recovered in a pond near his Texas home
Ranking
- The Latin Grammys are almost here for a 25th anniversary celebration
- Pope Francis cancels trip to COP28 climate conference in Dubai due to illness
- Why Jamie Lynn Spears Abruptly Quit I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
- The Essentials: 'Wish' star Ariana DeBose shares her Disney movie favorites
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Take the Day Off
- What works for treating the common cold? Many doctors say 'not much'
- Three teenagers injured in knife attack at a high school in Poland
- Retro role-playing video games are all the rage — here's why
Recommendation
-
A $1 billion proposal is the latest plan to refurbish and save the iconic Houston Astrodome
-
Burning Man narrowly passes environmental inspection months after torrential rain upended festival
-
Residents in St. Croix sue government over water contaminated with lead and copper
-
When stars are on stage, this designer makes it personal for each fan in the stadium
-
Louisiana mom arrested for making false kidnapping report after 'disagreement' with son
-
Actor Jonathan Majors' trial begins in New York City, after numerous delays
-
Travis Kelce Reacts to Taylor Swift Showing Her Support for His Career Milestone
-
Cher Reveals Her Honest Thoughts About Aging