Idaho Nuclear Lab Cannot Account For Missing Items (moved from ATSNN)

Over 200 computers and disk drives have been determined missing without explanation at The Idaho National Laboratory. None of the 269 computers and disk drives were allocated for classified information, but they could contain 'expert controlled' information that would indicate nuclear data/technologies for civilian and military applications alike. The missing items were discovered by an audit conducted in response to security lapses at other nuclear labs, particurlarily Los Alamos.



This helps to highlight the ease in which information can be lost. Overall, there were over 900 items unaccounted for, either through a mishandling of materials or, less likely, a deliberate transfer. How can we be surprised that the 'bad guys' continue to get a hold of relevant information if our file organization is less than perfect? That is not to say that this descrapancy will result in an information leak, however, national security is sometimes as simple as keeping everything in order.....

This is mostly, imo, an indication of the efficiency and responsibility of our higher functioning departments.....they happen to still be human and do make mistakes. Is it possible to be 100% in something as mundane as file keeping?

High propability is that these computers are, just like the Los Alamos ones, payed for but never existed and the money budgeted for them disapeared into the various black budget projects the US has.

Over 200 hundred computers and it's a 'high probability' that they never existed?

Sorry......don't buy that.......

While I think it is likely that a breach of national security hasn't occured, I seriously doubt that it is as easy as, "Oops, we counted phantom materials.."

When this kind of story was reported about Los Alamos a few years back, the headline read "dozens of computers missing from LANL". Only if you were to read the entire story would you find out that the few hundred computers accounted for less than a tenth of a percent of the total computer equipment account. I wonder what the percentage is in this case... Beyond that, I wonder what kind of equipment accounting one would find in a typical private sector company with thousands of pieces of equipment.

Another thing to consider when you read stories like this one - the govt. does not depreciate the costs of computers. A $1500 286 bought in the 90's still shows up on the equipment account as a $1500 PC.

you know if the computers never existed then that would be fraud. and how can an agency be trusted with secrets if they are willing to commit such a petty crime? or could "never existed" be used as a coverup so that "civilians" won't be scared, shocked or outraged at the loss of such sensitive items?

any way you spin this us nuclear security has some major problems, especialy since the work that they do is dangerous when it gets into the hands of the wrong people. it looks like whatever has happened that the us nuclear industry needs some major house cleaning. nice to know that those in charge of such secretive materials are so lax.

Originally posted by ChemicalLaser
Another thing to consider when you read stories like this one - the govt. does not depreciate the costs of computers. A $1500 286 bought in the 90's still shows up on the equipment account as a $1500 PC.

Thanks for the tidbit, Chem...I hadn't known that. That will help to put into perspective many other stories as well, I'm sure.......