FC: CIA ends investigation of employees using "inappropriate" chatrooms

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

**********

> Date: Sun,  3 Dec 2000 15:46:30 -0500
> From: " Scully () cipherwar com" <Scully () mail cipherwar com>
> Reply-To: <Scully () mail cipherwar com>
> To: <declan () well com>
> Subject: CIA Concludes Secret Chatroom Investigation
>
> CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY CONCLUDES INVESTIGATION
> OF INAPPROPRIATE USE OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
>
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
> 30 November 2000
>
> The CIA has completed its investigation of inappropriate use of Agency 
> computer systems by a group of CIA employees and contractors, and 
> administrative action has been taken in a number of instances.
>
> This inappropriate use of computer systems had been taking place for some 
> time, involving the use of unauthorized "chat rooms" and databases in a 
> willful misuse of the Agency's computer networks.
>
> It is important to note that the investigation uncovered no information 
> involving the unauthorized disclosure of classified information. But the 
> activities that were the subject of this inquiry were a clear and serious 
> violation of the trust expected of all Agency employees.
>
> Four employees, including one Senior Intelligence Service (SIS) officer, 
> have had their security clearances revoked, rendering them ineligible for 
> continued CIA employment. Eighteen employees, including two SIS officers, 
> were issued letters of reprimand and most of them will be suspended 
> without pay for periods ranging from 5 to 45 days. The SIS officers were 
> also downgraded one grade.
>
> In addition, the security clearances of nine contractors were revoked.
>
> The activities under investigation began in the mid-1980s as an unofficial 
> user's group on the CIA's mainframe system. Over the years, as the Agency 
> migrated to new information systems, the hidden databases were moved to 
> take advantage of these new systems. Concealed databases were created 
> outside of established management and security procedures. Approximately 
> 160 individuals at one time or another were involved. Some had retired or 
> otherwise left the Agency at the time of the commencement of the security 
> investigation. In addition to the disciplinary actions noted above, 79 
> employees, with minimal involvement, received letters of warning or 
> security briefings. Eight employees were exonerated and no action taken.
>
> Source: http://www.cia.gov/cia/public_affairs/press_release/pr11302000.html
>
>
> --
> Founder
> Cipherwar: Information Warfare for Free Thinkers
> http://www.Cipherwar.com
> --




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