ML103620151
| ML103620151 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 12/29/2010 |
| From: | Patricia Holahan Division of Security Operations |
| To: | Lew J US Executive Office of the President, Office of Mgmt & Budget (OMB) |
| Norman R, NRC/NSIR/DDSO/ISB 415-2278 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML103620151 (3) | |
Text
December 29, 2010 Mr. Jacob J. Lew, Director Executive Office of the President Office of Management and Budget Washington, D.C. 20503
SUBJECT:
ACTIONS TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTION OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION RELATIVE TO IMPLICATIONS FROM THE WIKILEAKS DISCLOSURES
Dear Mr. Lew:
In response to your memorandum of November 28, 2010, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is providing an overview of actions that it has taken and plans to take regarding recent public disclosures of classified information by WikiLeaks. Notwithstanding, the NRC reaffirms that its responsibility to protect classified information is consistent with the highest standards pursuant to relevant laws, including, but not limited to, Executive Order 13526.
On December 2, 2010, the NRC issued guidance to its employees and contractors regarding the reports of mishandling of classified information by WikiLeaks. The NRC reiterated the potential threat to national security by such disclosures and vigilance in protecting and controlling classified information. Here at the NRC, access to classified information is strictly controlled on a need-to-know basis. Comprehensive background checks have been conducted by Federal agencies for all NRC employees granted access to classified information. The NRC implements a compartmentalized system of access for classified information such that only a small portion of the nearly 4,000 NRC employees have access to classified information.
Consistent with instructions in your memorandum, the NRC is establishing a group of experts, including counterintelligence, security, and information assurance individuals, to review the NRCs implementing procedures for safeguarding classified information against improper disclosure. The NRC is also reviewing its procedures regarding configuration of classified government systems to ensure that user access is strictly controlled based on job duties, to include a review of restriction on usage of, and removable media capabilities from, classified government computer networks. Upon completion of these reviews, an Information Security Steering Committee, comprised of senior NRC officials, will be briefed on the findings by the end of January 2011.
The NRC is also standing by to assist efforts by the newly appointed National Security Staffs Senior Advisor for Information Access and Screening Policy, Mr. Russell Travers. The NRC takes seriously its responsibilities for protection of classified information and will take whatever actions deemed appropriate from its internal review and from the coordination of activities with Mr. Travers.
Sincerely,
/RA/ by R. Albert for Patricia Holahan, Director Division of Security Operations Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response
ML103620151 Package No.: ML103620154 OFFICE NSIR/DSO/ISB: BC NSIR/DSO: D NAME B. Stapleton (R. Norman for)
P. Holahan (R. Albert for)
DATE 12/28/2010 12/29/2010