VA audit reveals persistent IT security weaknesses despite decade-long recommendations
November 21, 2024 | Veterans Affairs: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal
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The U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a Subcommittee on Technology Modernization Oversight Hearing on November 21, 2024, focusing on the ongoing challenges within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding information technology (IT) security and management. Key discussions highlighted the persistence of unresolved issues identified in previous audits, with many recommendations dating back over a decade.
Mister Bowman from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) reported that all 25 recommendations from the fiscal year 2023 Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) audit were repeat recommendations, with most being over ten years old. He emphasized that while some recommendations were modified to reflect security improvements, the core issues remained largely unchanged. This raises concerns about the VA's ability to address critical IT security weaknesses, which he described as resulting in "unacceptable risk."
The hearing also addressed the VA's response to these findings. Mister Bowman noted that the VA's current leadership has taken a more proactive approach in engaging with OIG, which he believes will lead to fewer disagreements on recommendations in the future. However, he confirmed that the VA did not demonstrate any inaccuracies in the OIG's findings.
Mister Powner, another witness, corroborated the OIG's findings, stating that there was significant consistency between their reports. He detailed that his review of five IT systems resulted in a total of 442 findings, with 30% already remediated by the time of the report. The VA has since reported that approximately 70% of the findings have been addressed, including nearly all high-risk issues.
The discussions underscored the ongoing need for improved cybersecurity measures within the VA, as both witnesses highlighted the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities to enhance the overall security posture of the department. The hearing concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the VA's progress in remediating these critical findings, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in safeguarding veterans' information.
Mister Bowman from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) reported that all 25 recommendations from the fiscal year 2023 Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) audit were repeat recommendations, with most being over ten years old. He emphasized that while some recommendations were modified to reflect security improvements, the core issues remained largely unchanged. This raises concerns about the VA's ability to address critical IT security weaknesses, which he described as resulting in "unacceptable risk."
The hearing also addressed the VA's response to these findings. Mister Bowman noted that the VA's current leadership has taken a more proactive approach in engaging with OIG, which he believes will lead to fewer disagreements on recommendations in the future. However, he confirmed that the VA did not demonstrate any inaccuracies in the OIG's findings.
Mister Powner, another witness, corroborated the OIG's findings, stating that there was significant consistency between their reports. He detailed that his review of five IT systems resulted in a total of 442 findings, with 30% already remediated by the time of the report. The VA has since reported that approximately 70% of the findings have been addressed, including nearly all high-risk issues.
The discussions underscored the ongoing need for improved cybersecurity measures within the VA, as both witnesses highlighted the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities to enhance the overall security posture of the department. The hearing concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the VA's progress in remediating these critical findings, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in safeguarding veterans' information.
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