Austin has approved changes to how classified information is handled after leaks.

Secretary of Defense Approves Recommendations to Strengthen Classified Information Handling

The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has approved a series of recommendations aimed at improving the department’s procedures for the handling and access to classified information. These recommendations were put forth by Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security Ronald Moultrie, who was tasked with conducting a review of the department’s security programs following the unauthorized release of classified documents.

Review Findings and Areas of Improvement

Moultrie’s review focused on four key areas: personnel security, information safeguarding and accountability, physical security, and education and training. While the majority of DoD personnel were found to comply with security policies, the review also identified areas where the department could enhance its security posture and accountability measures.

Austin has directed all DoD component heads to develop a plan of action and milestones to ensure that personnel are properly accounted for in designated security systems by August 31. Additionally, each plan will be assigned a Security Management Office by that date. The Secretary of Defense also emphasized the need to improve the physical security of facilities used for processing and analyzing classified information, including the development of a centralized tracking system for sensitive compartmented information facilities and special access program facilities by the end of the year.

Unauthorized Release and Legal Proceedings

The unauthorized release of classified information was allegedly carried out by Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, who pleaded not guilty to six counts of willful retention and transmission of classified information related to national defense. Teixeira was arrested in April and is currently awaiting trial. If convicted, he could face significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

Teixeira is accused of leaking the documents through the Discord app. Initially, he allegedly shared classified intelligence with friends on the platform but later became concerned about being discovered. As a result, he printed out the information, took it home, and posted photos of the documents online.

Prior to the unauthorized release, Teixeira had been reprimanded twice for mishandling classified material. The discovery of his improper use of a Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System machine further raised concerns about his actions.

Enhanced Security Measures and Education

In response to the leaked documents, the Department of Defense took immediate action to update email distribution lists and ensure that only authorized individuals had access to classified information. They have also implemented measures to limit printing capabilities. Additionally, efforts are underway to re-educate personnel on the proper guidelines for working with classified material, including regular reminders and notices when accessing classified spaces.

By implementing these recommendations and strengthening security measures, the Department of Defense aims to enhance its ability to protect classified information and prevent unauthorized disclosures in the future.

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