FOIA Document Reveals Two-Month Breach of Sensitive DHS Intelligence Sharing Portal

The Brennan Center has obtained an internal oversight report from the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, detailing a two-month-long data breach in an intelligence sharing hub that compromised sensitive information about Americans.

According to the report, which was obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request to DHS, the breach occurred after a programming error allowed tens of thousands of users without proper access to the portal, known as the Homeland Security Information Network. This hub is used by federal, state, and local intelligence agencies to share sensitive information, including details about specific Americans and their activities.

The report reveals that hundreds of DHS intelligence documents were accessed during the breach period, which spanned from March to May 2023. While the oversight inquiry found no assessment of the impact on the many other agencies that trust the hub to share their information, it is clear that sensitive U.S. activities were involved.

Furthermore, the report includes accounts belonging to foreign governments, highlighting the potential for malicious use of this compromised portal. The breach highlights concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the importance of robust security measures in protecting sensitive intelligence sharing platforms.

The Breach: A Programming Error Gone Wrong

The oversight inquiry found that a programming error was the root cause of the breach, allowing tens of thousands of users without proper access to the portal. This lapse in security has raised questions about the effectiveness of DHS's internal controls and the need for enhanced safeguards to prevent such incidents in the future.

Consequences of the Breach: What We Know

While the report provides a detailed account of the breach, it does not include an assessment of the impact on other agencies that trust the hub to share their information. The Brennan Center is calling for greater transparency and accountability from DHS regarding this incident.

a look at what's at stake

The compromise of sensitive intelligence sharing platforms like the Homeland Security Information Network poses significant risks to national security, law enforcement, and public safety. It highlights the need for robust security measures, enhanced oversight, and greater transparency from government agencies handling sensitive information.

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The Brennan Center is committed to shedding light on critical issues affecting our democracy and national security. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis of the latest FOIA documents and whistleblowers' stories.