NSA has released a detailed account of
what classified data Edward Snowden was able to remove and just how
he was able to pull off what is now considered to be one of the greatest
leaks of classified information.
The documents that Snowden leaked, the
Powerpoint slides and other classified documents were stored in the
NSA's internal website so analysts with top-secret clearance could
read them online.
This type of 'information sharing' was
implemented after the 911 attacks—When Secret Information is
shared, analysts are more likely to 'connect the dots'.
Because of Snowden's leaks, the way
that information is shared in the NSA has seen several security
upgrades. NSA Public Information Officer Lonnie Anderson will not
disclose how Snowden was able to remove data from his work-station,
since it is part of ongoing criminal investigation.
One of the post media leaks counter
measures has been that sensitive information access is in two-person
control areas. This will make it impossible for analysts with
privileged access to work and move about anonymously on NSA
computers.
