A former contractor for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority was able to remotely access sensitive WMATA data from a computer in Russia because his supervisor failed to revoke his high-level administrative access, a new watchdog memo says.
A former contractor for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority was able to remotely access sensitive WMATA data from a computer in Russia because his supervisor failed to revoke his high-level administrative access, a new watchdog memo says. released Wednesday by the WMATA Office of Inspector General says the office opened a cyber investigation in early 2023 when it was alerted that WMATA's cyber group had detected abnormal network activity originating in Russia in January.
WMATA hired the former contractor through a U.S.-based company. The memo doesn't say whether the individual is a Russian national, but it warned of the contractor's access to sensitive data. It also noted that the contractor worked on the SmarTrip app, which is used by riders to pay for their fares.
And the inspector general also identified a"disconnect" between WMATA IT and cybersecurity staff that it says has endangered its cybersecurity. The IG pointed out that the agency's own internal audit and compliance group had recommended that all laptops used by WMATA have"full disk encryption installed" to protect critical and sensitive information.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
U.S. Athletes Keep Playing in Russia Despite Warnings From WashingtonWhen Brittney Griner came home after nearly 10 months of Russian detention, she was emphatic she would never again collect a paycheck playing basketball overseas. More than three dozen American athletes during the past year have made a different decision.
Read more »
Watch out for high water on these Houston-area roadsHIGH-WATER LOCATIONS: A handful of roadways impassible this afternoon as storms push into Houston area. See the locations here:
Read more »
Washington lawmakers reach deal on drug policy, avoid automatic decriminalizationDemocratic and Republican leaders in the Washington Statehouse have reached a tentative deal on a major new drug policy, one that would avoid making the state the second to decriminalize the possession of controlled substances. Lawmakers will consider the compromise Tuesday when they return to Olympia for a special session. Gov. Jay Inslee called them back to work after they failed to pass a new drug policy before adjourning late last month. A temporary, 2-year-old law that makes intentional drug possession illegal is due to expire July 1. So unless the compromise passes, drug possession — even of fentanyl and other dangerous opiates — will become decriminalized under state law.
Read more »
Washington state lawmakers seek to avoid decriminalizing drugsWashington state lawmakers are considering a major new drug policy
Read more »
Why a drug decriminalization crisis looms for Washington state lawmakersLawmakers in the state of Washington are going into special session hoping to avert a crisis over the decriminalization of drugs.
Read more »
Why a drug decriminalization crisis looms for Washington state lawmakersLawmakers in the state of Washington are going into special session hoping to avert a crisis over the decriminalization of drugs
Read more »