Los Alamos lab again missing computer disks with classified data

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July 16, 2004 (Computerworld) -- For at least the third time since 2000, two removable computer disks containing classified nuclear weapons data are missing from the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.
In an announcement last Friday, the lab confirmed that "two items of Classified Removable Electronic Media (CREM) were discovered missing from the Weapons Physics Directorate" inside the lab on July 7 during a special inventory being done for an upcoming experiment. The two disks didn't turn up in several searches, which are continuing, according to the lab.
G. Peter Nanos, director of the lab, said in a statement that a "full inquiry into how and why this has occurred" is under way. "I intend to exercise my authority as director to hold those involved fully accountable, up to and including termination of employment, if appropriate.
"Security is of the utmost importance to the laboratory," Nanos said in his statement. "In order to operate effectively, this apparent lack of attention to CREM issues must be dealt with swiftly and decisively."
The responsibility for the removable disks used at the lab "rests first and foremost with the individual staff members who handle, maintain and use these items," he said. "In all cases, they have been given a special confidence and trust that requires meticulous attention to detail, strict adherence to all relevant standards and procedures and, most importantly, an attitude that drives zero tolerance for error."
The Los Alamos lab is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy.
A spokesman for the lab couldn't be reached this morning.
Entry to the lab for an undisclosed number of employees who had access to the missing items is being allowed only under escort, according to the lab. In addition, a work stand-down is in effect for a portion of the Weapons Physics Directorate section. The stand-down will be lifted when the security issues leading to the missing disks have been corrected.

In the wake of other missing disk incidents in the lab since 2000, safeguards and procedures were added to improve the security of classified information and work being conducted.
The latest case of missing disks, though, means there is still more security work to be done, Nanos said. Some of that responsibility, he said, must be taken by the workers themselves. "However, once again, the failure of individuals to follow prescribed standards and protocols has brought disrepute to Los Alamos," Nanos said. "As director of this national security laboratory, I want everyone to understand: If you can't keep track of classified materials, you can't work here."
Last December, poor record-keeping at the lab was blamed after nine classified computer floppy disks and a large-capacity storage disk were found to be missing during a routine inventory of classified electronic storage media at the facility (see story).
Another incident occurred in June 2000 when computer disks containing classified nuclear information were found to be missing from one of the laboratory's most secure vaults (see story). They were later found behind a photocopier inside the facility (see story).
The lab has notified officials at the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration about the latest incident.
The Los Alamos facility develops and applies science and technology to ensure the safety and reliability of U.S. nuclear deterrent capabilities and to reduce the threat of weapons of mass destruction, proliferation and terrorism. The lab also does research aimed at solving national problems in defense, energy and the environment.

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