Report Finds Evidence of ‘Lax Computer Security’ at Government Agencies

At least 155 federal computer systems were temporarily "taken over by hackers" last year, including a system that contains medical information about Medicare beneficiaries, the AP/Wall Street Journal reports. According to a review of the government's safeguards against "domestic and foreign attackers" released at a House Commerce oversight and investigations subcommittee last week, 32 federal agencies lacked adequate measures to prevent computer hacking. In addition, the committee released a February computer security study that found "numerous weaknesses" in HCFA's system that allowed "unauthorized access" to medical information. Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.) said, "I can envision incredible fraud opportunities with that scenario, as well as privacy problems" (AP/Wall Street Journal, 4/6).