Information security

Pentagon Will InvestigateNSA Crackdown on Would-Be Snowdens

In the wake of excessive downloading by ex-NSA systems administrator Edward Snowden, the agency has been trying to keep a closer eye on users with sweeping access to files. For example, as of 2013, there is a “two-man” policy that two people must be present when sensitive information is read or moved.

The insider-threat inspection is scheduled to start this month.

It is one in a series of reviews of safeguards in place to protect the NSA network and infrastructure. The whole audit will examine whether its controls have actually improved the security of the agency’s “systems, data and personnel activities,” Gorman said.

She said she is open to suggestions from management on adding or revising the objectives of the assessment.