Hackers steal DOE nuclear security codes

Okay, what's going on here?

First, we learned that a Veteran's Affairs computer disk went missing containing personal data for millions of military personnel.

Today, there are reports that last September, hackers broke into computers at the Dept. of Energy and stole crucial data about thousands of agency employees. The affected employees work for the National Nuclear Security Administration.

The House Energy and Commerce oversight and investigations subcommittee learned of the security lapse Thursday evening on the eve of its hearing on DOE cyber security, said Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., chairman of the panel.

The issue dominated lawmakers questioning of DOE officials at the hearing. After an open session, the subcommittee continued questioning Brooks and other officials about it at a closed session because of the security implications.

Although the compromised data file was in the NNSA's unclassified computer system — and not part of a more secure classified network that contains nuclear weapons data — the DOE officials would provide only scant information about the incident during the public hearing.

Brooks said the file contained names, Social Security numbers, date-of-birth information, a code where the employees worked and codes showing their security clearances.

Hackers stole nuclear security clearance codes last September, and congress and the public are just learning about it now. This is outrageous and unacceptable.

The Bush administration is failing at the most basic measures needed to keep America safe from terrorism.