Across the eight facilities, they found 85 physical security violations, ranging from two-factor authentication card readers not properly configured, missing signage for restricted areas. Image: lovemelovemypic/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffAn inspector general report has found flaws in physical security controls at IRS facilities, finding problems in walkthroughs in eight facilities such as card readers that were incorrectly configured or broken.
The report comes amid steps the agency has taken to counter potential dangers to its employees, including generally ending the practice of unannounced site visits to taxpayers and businesses. “Without adequate access controls, sensitive equipment and information may be at risk of unauthorized access or disclosure,” the report added.
Auditors were reviewing the agency’s “enterprise physical access control system” including card readers with different levels of controls, varying by the security level within a facility. They concluded that planning for installation of the system was adequate, although “as the project progressed, other considerations went into the prioritization, such as the completion of main campuses first and then the buildings around them, federal requirements, and public safety.”
Across the eight facilities, they found 85 physical security violations, ranging from two-factor authentication card readers not properly configured, missing signage for restricted areas and employees having access to areas from which they should have been limited. Other issues identified included user access levels that did not match the authorization for them, failure to disable accounts as required after they have gone inactive, and lack of reviews of audit logs.
The report said the agency made some improvements during the course of the review and that it agreed with recommendations including to replace or reconfigure readers cited by the audit.
Key Bills Advancing, but No Path to Avoid Shutdown Apparent
TSP Adds Detail to Upcoming Roth Conversion Feature
White House to Issue Rules on RIF, Disciplinary Policy Changes
DoD Announces Civilian Volunteer Detail in Support of Immigration Enforcement
See also,
How Do Age and Years of Service Impact My Federal Retirement
The Best Ages for Federal Employees to Retire
How to Challenge a Federal Reduction in Force (RIF) in 2025
Should I be Shooting for a $1M TSP Balance? Depends…
