Inadequate Cybersecurity Rendered DHS Headquarters High-Value System Vulnerable to Attack

The Department of Homeland Security Headquarters (HQ) did not adequately secure a non-Tier 1 High Value Asset (HVA) system used to support data analysis and reporting on DHS component operations, which rendered the system and its sensitive information vulnerable to cyberattacks. Although DHS HQ developed policies and procedures meant to reduce risks to sensitive information stored on the HVA system and effectively implemented certain controls, we determined the system did not meet security requirements.  We identified nine unique critical and high-risk vulnerabilities that appeared 182 times in the system and, through simulated cyberattack penetration testing, were able to exploit vulnerabilities.  The vulnerabilities we identified pose significant security risks, increasing the likelihood an attacker could gain access to sensitive information. These deficiencies demonstrate that DHS HQ needs to strengthen its management of the HVA system.  Ensuring the system complies with the Department’s security and privacy policies will better protect the sensitive information processed by the system.  Until these deficiencies are addressed, DHS HQ may not be equipped to protect the HVA system and cannot ensure it will be able to quickly respond to and recover from a cyberattack.