OIG: NASA Leaves Important Info On Computers It Surpluses

Preparing for the Space Shuttle Program’s Retirement: A Review of NASA’s Disposition of Information Technology Equipment
“NASA Inspector General Paul K. Martin today released a report that found significant weaknesses in the sanitization and disposal of NASA computers and hard drives used in the Space Shuttle Program. These weaknesses resulted in information technology (IT) equipment being sold or prepared for sale even though it still contained sensitive NASA data. This Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit examined IT sanitization practices at four NASA Centers – Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers and Ames and Langley Research Centers – and found serious issues at each. We concluded that NASA did not ensure the proper sanitization of excess IT equipment before releasing it outside Agency control.”