Improving Data Protection at the Department of Homeland Security

Statement

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is tasked with securing our nation from the many threats we face. Given the importance of this mission, it is crucial that DHS have strong financial management systems and that its data is properly protected. On Thursday, October 27, 2011, the Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency and Financial Management, chaired by U.S. Congressman Todd Platts (PA-19), will evaluate DHS's progress in improving these internal controls.

In 2010, independent auditors found numerous weaknesses in DHS's financial management and information technology (IT) security systems, identifying 161 weaknesses in DHS's internal controls over crucial financial systems. Almost two-thirds of these weaknesses were repeats from the 2009 audit of DHS. The audit, conducted by the independent auditing firm KPMG LLP, found inappropriate usage of data and excessive access to data; a lack of enforcement of password requirements; insufficient controls over payments; and failures to close accounts after their users left employment at DHS.

The audit also uncovered problems with IT security. Some IT employees and contractors did not have proper background investigations or computer security training, and not all computers at DHS had anti-virus protection installed. The auditors recommended that DHS review these findings and develop corrective actions to address the root causes of the weaknesses. DHS management has agreed with KPMG's findings and officials from DHS will participate in Thursday's hearing.

"DHS and its employees have worked tirelessly to successfully protect our homeland," said Congressman Platts. "This audit confirms, however, that there are significant financial management and information security issues that could compromise those efforts. Without these important controls, DHS's financial systems are not properly protected and are susceptible to waste, fraud, and abuse."

This hearing continues the Subcommittee's oversight of Executive Branch financial management and accountability issues throughout the 112th Congress. Recent hearings have examined financial management deficiencies at the U.S. Department of Defense, improper payments made by the federal government, which are currently estimated to be $125 billion annually, and reviewing Internal Revenue Service policies regarding tax identity theft.

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