Overview
- The DHS inspector general report, published Monday, details widespread lapses and notes the agency limited the watchdog’s access to some IT data.
- The audit found that 76% of installed apps posed security risks or violated rules, while staff could add unapproved apps and reuse passcodes.
- Investigators said 19% of devices ran outdated operating systems, only 11% were properly inventoried, and just 3 of 10 overseas trips followed phone protocols.
- Homeland Security–built apps on public app stores had security flaws and drew 375,000 downloads from first responders, widening potential exposure beyond DHS staff.
- DHS agreed to all fixes and set a January 2027 deadline to complete them, and it issued a statement blaming Democrats for the problems.