Security is poor for personal data held by government

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WASHINGTON — Government agencies have a long way to go before they can assure taxpayers that the country's secrets — as well as citizens' personal information — are secure, according to recent government reports.

In fact, the Government Accountability Office testified to Congress last week that "poor information security is a widespread problem with potentially devastating consequences."

Among the potential concerns that the GAO identified in testimony to a Senate subcommittee: If systems aren't secure, sensitive information, such as taxpayer data, Social Security records and medical records, could be "inappropriately disclosed, browsed or copied for improper or criminal purposes."

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