Automated Systems Security--Federal Agencies Should Strengthen Safeguards Over Personal and Other Sensitive Data
LCD-78-123: Published: Jan 23, 1979. Publicly Released: Jan 23, 1979.
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GAO surveyed selected agencies in 1977 because of the generally high level of congressional interest in federal information policies following the enactment of the Privacy Act and the Freedom of Information Act Amendments in 1974. Subsequently, GAO was specifically requested to examine and report on the status and effectiveness of major computer security programs.
At a time when increasing reliance is placed on computers and rapidly advancing ADP technology, security procedures for systems processing personal and other sensitive data generally were inadequate. The agencies: (1) lacked comprehensive computer security programs and technical, administrative, and physical safeguards; (2) did not place the computer security functions at a sufficiently high level, with independence from operating functions, to preclude preemption by operational priorities; (3) did not understand and employ risk management techniques for economic selection of safeguards; (4) did not take advantage of the technical guidance provided by the National Bureau of Standards; and (5) did not effectively use their internal audit resources.
Oct 9, 2020
Aviation Cybersecurity:
FAA Should Fully Implement Key Practices to Strengthen Its Oversight of Avionics RisksGAO-21-86: Published: Oct 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 9, 2020.
Sep 22, 2020
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Cybersecurity:
Clarity of Leadership Urgently Needed to Fully Implement the National StrategyGAO-20-629: Published: Sep 22, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 22, 2020.
Sep 21, 2020
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Information Security and Privacy:
HUD Needs a Major Effort to Protect Data Shared with External EntitiesGAO-20-431: Published: Sep 21, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 21, 2020.
Sep 17, 2020
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Critical Infrastructure Protection:
Treasury Needs to Improve Tracking of Financial Sector Cybersecurity Risk Mitigation EffortsGAO-20-631: Published: Sep 17, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 17, 2020.
Sep 16, 2020
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Veterans Affairs:
VA Needs to Address Persistent IT Modernization and Cybersecurity ChallengesGAO-20-719T: Published: Sep 16, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 16, 2020.
Aug 18, 2020
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Cybersecurity:
DHS and Selected Agencies Need to Address Shortcomings in Implementation of Network Monitoring ProgramGAO-20-598: Published: Aug 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Aug 18, 2020.
May 27, 2020
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Cybersecurity:
Selected Federal Agencies Need to Coordinate on Requirements and Assessments of StatesGAO-20-123: Published: May 27, 2020. Publicly Released: May 27, 2020.
May 13, 2020
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Management Report:
Improvements Are Needed to Enhance the Internal Revenue Service's Information System Security ControlsGAO-20-411R: Published: May 13, 2020. Publicly Released: May 13, 2020.
Apr 24, 2020
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Information Security:
FCC Made Significant Progress, but Needs to Address Remaining Control Deficiencies and Improve Its ProgramGAO-20-265: Published: Mar 25, 2020. Publicly Released: Apr 24, 2020.
Apr 13, 2020
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Cybersecurity:
DOD Needs to Take Decisive Actions to Improve Cyber HygieneGAO-20-241: Published: Apr 13, 2020. Publicly Released: Apr 13, 2020.
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