Annual inventory discovers classified media discrepancies

Contact: Kevin Roark, knroark@lanl.gov, (505) 665-0582 (03-157)

Recent News Los Alamos scientist named Asian American Engineer of the Year Los Alamos scientist featured in NASA science update Los Alamos muon detector could thwart nuclear smugglers Wojciech H. Zurek named Phi Beta Kappa visiting scholar Four Los Alamos physicists honored by American Physical Society Los Alamos National Laboratory organizations earn seven out of 13 NNSA Pollution Prevention awards Carter Hydrick returns to the Bradbury Science Museum Feb. 15 Laboratory supports summer science program New NASA IBEX mission to carry Los Alamos instrument Beason takes top threat reduction post at Los Alamos

LOS ALAMOS, N.M., Dec. 9, 2003 -- A routine inventory of classified computer media at Los Alamos National Laboratory's new Nonproliferation and International Security Center has identified inventory discrepancies involving missing electronic storage devices. While the Laboratory expects the federal government to perform an independent analysis of this situation, initial Laboratory review indicates that national security was not jeopardized by this incident.

Laboratory security specialists are investigating three separate discoveries made by Laboratory personnel regarding the inventory discrepancies. The three instances involve 10 separate pieces of electronic storage, consisting of nine floppy disks and a single large-capacity storage disk. Los Alamos officials notified the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration and the University of California of the discrepancies in accordance with reporting rules and deadlines.

"This situation is totally unacceptable," said Director G. Peter Nanos. "Security is one of our most important jobs; obviously we now must look deeper into the control of all sensitive information and solve these problems."

One floppy disk was reported missing on Nov. 20, 2003. That disk was at least five years old and contained a single briefing that may not have been classified at all; however, it was marked classified because documents prepared on classified computers must be marked classified. The disk was last inventoried in February 2003, prior to the move to a new secure facility. The owner of the disk recalls ordering the destruction of several such floppy disks prior to the move, but there is no record confirming that the disk was destroyed.

Another disk was reported missing on Dec. 2, 2003. The investigation has shown that the disk most likely was destroyed in January 2002 in a group of five disks sent for secure destruction. However, no receipt for the disk was included with the receipts documenting destruction of the other four disks.

After self-identifying these two incidents, the Laboratory began a more intensive, physical inventory of every classified computer data storage device in the secure facility. The subsequent inventory resulted in the discovery on Dec. 4 of eight other inventory discrepancies.

All logs and documentation related to those eight electronic storage devices have been carefully reviewed and owners have been interviewed. While the destruction of the materials was not properly recorded and documentation maintained, resulting in inventory anomalies, to date these investigative efforts support the likelihood that the missing media were destroyed prior to the move to the secured facility.

In addition, further interviews with the Lab personnel who created the original information on the media, custodians of the media and others will provide further detailed timelines as well as information regarding the contents of the items and their possible secure disposal paths.

The investigation has not uncovered evidence of willful or malicious intent by any Laboratory personnel.

University of California Vice President for Laboratory Management Robert Foley is directing Laboratory Director Nanos to lead efforts, through the Lab's Security Division, to hold a limited security stand down, conduct a thorough search for the missing media and recommend immediate corrective actions. In addition, Foley ordered an immediate review of Laboratory computer media security and policies and for the Laboratory to immediately reaffirm accountability and responsibility for control of computer data storage devices.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy and works in partnership with NNSA's Sandia and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories to support NNSA in its mission.

Los Alamos develops and applies science and technology to ensure the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent; reduce the threat of weapons of mass destruction, proliferation and terrorism; and solve national problems in defense, energy, environment and infrastructure.

Additional news releases related to Organization/Operations

Additional news releases from the Nonproliferation and International Security (NIS)