Noteboom The Law Firm

VA Failed To Repair Security Control Issues

The Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), an independent auditor brought in by the  VA, and the VA itself have all identified information security problems in the VA over the last 10 years. In that time, however, the VA has not fixed those identified problems.

According to a recent GAO report, the VA continues to struggle in multiple areas. Not only is it having trouble maintaining control of security over various systems, but it also has problems completely implementing the Federal Information Security Management's Act of 2002's mandated information security program.

Due to these problems, the VA's information security system is weak and vulnerable. If attacked, the VA risks serious security breaches, such as the theft and dissemination of sensitive material. Recent attacks have shown us how vulnerable the system is, and how much damage these attacks can cause.

Of the other 23 federal agencies, the VA suffered the highest number of attacks between 2007 and 2009. Compared to the other federal agencies, the VA also had the lowest percentages of employees both trained in security procedures and those with noteworthy security responsibilities given training equivalent with their responsibilities.

The VA took issue with how the GAO classified its security controls. Instead of addressing the failures to repair the GAO highlighted, the VA highlighted the improvements in its system implemented in recent years.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.