Two laptop computers missing from U.S. Central Command; one had classified information

[InfoSec News <isn () c4i org>]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020807/ap_wo_en_po/us_missing_laptops_2

[Again in a time where child abductions are finally getting the media
attention they deserve, I still watch my laptop better than some of
the parents were watching their own kids in Las Vegas. With over 400
missing DoJ and INS laptops and now two CENTCOM laptops, it makes 
you really wonder how this happens.  - WK]


Wed Aug 7, 2:38 PM ET

TAMPA, Florida - Two laptop computers are missing from the military
command center coordinating the war in Afghanistan, including one with
classified information, officials said Wednesday.

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is investigating the
computers' possible theft from U.S. Central Command, office spokesman
Maj. Mike Richmond said. The computers disappeared Thursday.

Central Command would not release further details, such as what
information was stored on the computers and what office or person was
responsible for them.

Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a news
conference at the Pentagon that one of the computers contained
classified information. He said it was too soon to say whether the
computers were simply missing or stolen.

"The good news is that they were in a single room that is tightly
controlled, where access is tightly controlled," Myers said.

Central Command, led by Army Gen. Tommy Franks, is responsible for
U.S. security interests in the Middle East. It oversees the continuing
military operation in Afghanistan and has been deeply involved in
planning for a widely expected U.S. effort to topple Iraqi leader
Saddam Hussein.

Just this week, a government audit was released that showed the
Justice Department lost 400 computers last year.  Most belonged to the
FBI and the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and many had
classified information. The agencies said poor tracking of equipment
was likely to blame, not theft.




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