U.S. Secret Service probed over lost computer files
REUTERS
FIRST POSTED: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2012 11:46 AM EST | UPDATED: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2012 11:58 AM EST
Secret Service agents stand by the presidential limo as U.S. President Barack Obama (not pictured) greets supporters upon his arrival in Davenport, Iowa to hold a campaign rally October 24, 2012. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Secret Service said on Friday it is under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security over the loss of computer files on the Washington Metro system.
In 2008, a contract employee lost two computer tapes on the Metro while transporting them from one facility to another, Secret Service spokesman Edwin Donovan said. The investigation was first reported Friday morning by Fox News.
The Secret Service notified transit police and the Department of Homeland Security, but were unable to locate the tapes. The backup tapes were not marked or identified and were protected by many layers of security, Donovan said.
“It was a low risk for compromise,” Donovan said.
Following the incident, the Secret Service put in place new procedures aimed at preventing a repeat.
“There has been no reported fraud associated with the loss of these tapes,” Donovan said.
DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Secret Service is under scrutiny after about a dozen employees were accused of misconduct for bringing women, some of them prostitutes, back to their hotel rooms ahead of a visit by President Barack Obama to Cartagena, Colombia.
