NEWS
Security Lax at Los Alamos National Lab
examiner.com
LOS ALAMOS, New Mexico -- The Los Alamos National Laboratory, overseen by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), has experienced a number of security lapses in controlling classified information stored on its classified computer network.
The LANL, which is operated by the National Nuclear Security Administration, is responsible for, among other things, designing nuclear weapons.
Over the past decade, security personnel documented numerous security, safety, and project management weaknesses at NNSA’s nuclear weapons complexes, including LANL. In particular, during the Clinton Administration LANL had experienced a series of high-profile security incidents that drew attention to the laboratory’s inability to account for and control classified information and maintain a safe work environment.
In July 2004, LANL’s director declared a suspension -- or stand-down -- of laboratory operations to address immediate concerns, including the loss of classified computer disks. During the stand-down, laboratory teams identified more than 3,400 security and safety issues.
As a result of systemic management concerns, and the fact that the laboratory contractor -- the University of California -- did not adequately address these problems, the Department of Energy (DOE) decided in 2003 to allow other organizations to compete for the management contract at LANL.
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