Pentagon inspector general flags improper tech tool use at Defense Digital Service
The Pentagon's inspector general released a report on 29 May, flagged by Nextgov, detailing how former directors of the Defense Digital Service (DDS) “exceeded their authority and granted waivers of multiple DOD policies to enable the DDS to use unauthorized digital service tools, including cloud‑based software development platforms and collaboration software, to store, process and transmit controlled unclassified information” beginning in 2015.
The IG found that this disregard for established cybersecurity protocols potentially compromised DOD information. Further, an audit of 10 DDS projects revealed inadequate documentation, making it impossible to determine projects’ success.
Recommendations from the investigation included a formal waiver process to introduce new tools that includes assessing technology security. While the chief digital and artificial Intelligence officer (CDAO) agreed with IG’s recommendations, Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) objected to a recommendation regarding project management plans.
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