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                    Most Recent Reports**1 - 20 of 305 Reports**
	
	

	
	  **Released on   Feb 28, 2024**
          Countering Violent Extremism: FBI and DHS Need Strategies and Goals for Sharing Threat Information with Social Media and Gaming Companies
    GAO-24-106262
      Published:   Jan 31, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 28, 2024
.
    Domestic terrorists pose a significant threat to the U.S., according to the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. Domestic terrorists often use online platforms—such as social media and gaming—to communicate radical ideas to a wide audience and mobilize likeminded people. The FBI and DHS have some tools for sharing information with and receiving information from social media and gaming companies on threats related to...
      **Released on   Dec 14, 2023**
          National Institute of Standards and Technology: Strengthening Disclosure Requirements and Assessing Training Could Improve Research Security
    GAO-24-106074
      Published:   Dec 14, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Dec 14, 2023
.
    Some foreign governments try to acquire U.S. research and technology dishonestly. Protecting federally funded research from such threats is critical. The National Institute of Standards and Technology collaborates with foreign and domestic researchers—requiring them to disclose potential conflicts of interest. But NIST doesn't require domestic researchers to disclose as much information as foreign nationals. NIST needs to ensure it can identify research security risks posed...
      **Released on   Sep 13, 2023**
          Violent Extremism: Agencies' and Financial Institutions' Efforts to Link Financing to Domestic Threats
    GAO-23-105928
      Published:   Sep 13, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Sep 13, 2023
.
    Linking the financial transactions of domestic violent extremists to suspicious or violent activity can be difficult for financial institutions and federal agencies. The transactions often don't raise red flags because these extremists frequently use their own funds and might not need large amounts to carry out attacks. In addition, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network shares financial information related to ongoing terrorism investigations with law enforcement...
      **Released on   Sep 12, 2023**
          Facial Recognition Services: Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Should Take Actions to Implement Training, and Policies for Civil Liberties
    GAO-23-105607
      Published:   Sep 5, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Sep 12, 2023
.
    Seven law enforcement agencies in the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice reported using facial recognition services that quickly search through billions of photos of faces to help identify a suspect in a crime scene image. All 7 agencies initially used these services without requiring staff take facial recognition training. Two agencies require it as of April 2023. Also, some agencies don't have policies specific...
      **Released on   Jul 21, 2023**
          Capitol Attack: Federal Agencies Identified Some Threats, but Did Not Fully Process and Share Information Prior to January 6, 2021 [Reissued with revisions on Jul. 21, 2023]
    GAO-23-106625
      Published:   Feb 28, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jul 21, 2023
.
    As part of our comprehensive look at the events of January 6, 2021, we examined how federal agencies identified potential threats, and how they used this information to prepare for and respond to the Capitol attack. We found that all 10 federal agencies that we examined identified potential threats of violence before January 6, but some agencies either didn't follow their established policies or procedures...
      **Released on   Jun 15, 2023**
          Violent Extremism and Terrorism: Agencies Can Take Additional Steps to Counter Domestic Threats
    GAO-23-106758
      Published:   Jun 15, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jun 15, 2023
.
    Violent extremism and domestic terrorism continue to pose a threat to safety in the United States. This Snapshot highlights areas we've identified where federal agencies could improve how they prevent and counter such threats. For example, agencies such as the FBI and Department of Homeland Security could: develop comprehensive strategies to prevent violent extremism and counter domestic terrorism strengthen how they share threat information to...
      **Released on   Jun 13, 2023**
          Impaired Driving: Information on Data Used to Identify Repeat Offenders
    GAO-23-105859
      Published:   Jun 13, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jun 13, 2023
.
    Driving while impaired by alcohol, medications, or drugs remains a persistent safety issue. State and local agencies collect information on impaired drivers—including arrest reports, fingerprints, and the results of criminal proceedings—and report it in state databases. In turn, states report this information, largely through automated processes, to the FBI, which enables criminal justice agencies to identify repeat offenders nationwide. However, some states have reported problems...
      **Released on   Feb 28, 2023**
          Domestic Terrorism: Further Actions Needed to Strengthen FBI and DHS Collaboration to Counter Threats
    GAO-23-104720
      Published:   Feb 22, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 28, 2023
.
    Incidents of domestic terrorism increased by 357% between 2013 and 2021. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are charged with collaborating to prevent domestic threats. Although they work together to counter threats, the agencies may need to update their current agreements to specify how they should collaborate to better address the constantly evolving threat of domestic terrorism. In addition, neither agency regularly assesses...
      **Released on   Aug 26, 2022**
          Aviation Safety: FAA Should Strengthen Efforts to Address the Illegal Practice of Intentionally Aiming Lasers at Aircraft [Reissued with revisions on Aug. 26, 2022]
    GAO-22-104664
      Published:   Aug 18, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Aug 26, 2022
.
    Aiming a laser at an aircraft can disorient pilots and is a federal crime. In recent years, laser incidents have increased—there were a record 9,723 incidents reported in 2021. Identifying those involved remains difficult. To support incident investigations, FAA asks pilots to complete a lengthy, voluntary questionnaire. But it only received responses for 12% of incidents one recent year. FAA and law enforcement previously had...
      **Released on   Jun 14, 2022**
          Export Controls: Enforcement Agencies Should Better Leverage Information to Target Efforts Involving U.S. Universities
    GAO-22-105727
      Published:   Jun 14, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jun 14, 2022
.
    Millions of foreign students and scholars study at U.S. universities, and many contribute to U.S. research. But, there's a risk that some may illegally access and share sensitive information, such as data or technology, with their home countries. Agencies involved in addressing this threat said that outreach and education increases university officials' awareness of research security threats and builds stronger relationships with university officials. To...
      **Released on   Jan 13, 2022**
          Cybersecurity: Federal Response to SolarWinds and Microsoft Exchange Incidents
    GAO-22-104746
      Published:   Jan 13, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jan 13, 2022
.
    This report describes the federal response to 2 high-profile cybersecurity incidents that affected the U.S. government. The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service hacked SolarWinds network management software, which is widely used in the U.S. government. Also, Chinese government affiliates likely exploited a vulnerability in the Microsoft Exchange Server, according to the White House. Federal agencies worked with each other and industry after these incidents. Agencies received...
      **Released on   Dec 7, 2021**
          Law Enforcement: DOJ Can Improve Publication of Use of Force Data and Oversight of Excessive Force Allegations
    GAO-22-104456
      Published:   Dec 7, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Dec 7, 2021
.
    The Department of Justice is responsible for collecting and publishing data on law enforcement's use of excessive force. It also may investigate cases and pursue penalties. In FYs 2016-2020, DOJ didn't consistently publish an annual summary of excessive force data as required by law. This data is crucial to efforts to reduce excessive force, according to law enforcement and civil rights organization representatives, and others...
      **Released on   Sep 30, 2021**
          COVID-19: Selected Agencies Overcame Technology Challenges to Support Telework but Need to Fully Assess Security Controls
    GAO-21-583
      Published:   Sep 30, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Sep 30, 2021
.
    Telework is essential to the continuity of federal operations in emergencies—but it also brings added cybersecurity risks. We examined federal agencies' preparedness to support expanded telework during the COVID-19 pandemic. We looked at 12 agencies and found that they all had the technology to support remote access for telework. But not all agencies had fully addressed relevant guidance for securing their remote access systems. For...
      **Released on   Jul 13, 2021**
          Facial Recognition Technology: Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Should Have Better Awareness of Systems Used By Employees
    GAO-21-105309
      Published:   Jul 13, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jul 13, 2021
.
    We testified about how 42 federal agencies that employ law enforcement officers use facial recognition technology. 20 reported owning such systems or using systems owned by others 6 reported using the technology to help identify people suspected of violating the law during the civil unrest, riots, or protests following the death of George Floyd in May 2020 3 acknowledged using it on images of the...
      **Released on   Jun 29, 2021**
          Facial Recognition Technology: Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Should Better Assess Privacy and Other Risks
    GAO-21-518
      Published:   Jun 3, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jun 29, 2021
.
    We surveyed 42 federal agencies that employ law enforcement officers about their use of facial recognition technology. 20 reported owning such systems or using systems owned by others 6 reported using the technology to help identify people suspected of violating the law during the civil unrest, riots, or protests following the death of George Floyd in May 2020 3 acknowledged using it on images of...
      **Released on   May 27, 2020**
          Cybersecurity: Selected Federal Agencies Need to Coordinate on Requirements and Assessments of States
    GAO-20-123
      Published:   May 27, 2020
. 
        Publicly Released:   May 27, 2020
.
    States must follow numerous cybersecurity requirements when using federal data. These requirements may vary by federal agency. State information security officials we surveyed told us, among other things, that the differing requirements cost states additional time and money, and could ultimately detract from security efforts. Among the 4 federal agencies we examined, 49% to 79% of security requirement parameters—the number of log-on attempts allowed, for...
      **Released on   Mar 11, 2020**
          Economic Sanctions: Treasury and State Have Received Increased Resources for Sanctions Implementation but Face Hiring Challenges
    GAO-20-324
      Published:   Mar 11, 2020
. 
        Publicly Released:   Mar 11, 2020
.
    The United States has increasingly used sanctions—such as freezing assets under U.S. control—to counteract threats to U.S. interests. We reviewed federal agencies’ roles in, and the resources they devote to, carrying out sanctions. Key agencies have generally received steady or growing funding. However, Treasury and State Department sanctions units have had difficulty filling positions. Treasury attributes its hiring challenges to competition and the time required...
      **Released on   Feb 11, 2020**
          Aviation Security: TSA and Airport Stakeholders Have Enhanced Airport Public Area Security, but a Plan Is Needed for Future Collaboration
    GAO-20-278
      Published:   Feb 11, 2020
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 11, 2020
.
    Airport public areas, like ticket counters and baggage claims, are vulnerable to attack because people can enter them without screening. For example, in 2013, a TSA officer was killed at a security checkpoint in Los Angeles. In 2017, 5 people were killed at a Florida baggage claim. These attacks prompted new laws and security improvements. One such improvement was establishing a TSA working group on...
      **Released on   Feb 6, 2020**
          Election Security: DHS Plans Are Urgently Needed to Address Identified Challenges Before the 2020 Elections
    GAO-20-267
      Published:   Feb 6, 2020
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 6, 2020
.
    The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has helped state and local election officials secure online voter registration systems, voting machines, and other election infrastructure since 2017. Elections officials we interviewed in 7 of 8 states said they were very satisfied with CISA’s support. Election primaries begin in February. However, CISA has not yet completed its strategic and operations plans to...
      **Released on   Feb 2, 2020**
          Campaign Finance: Federal Framework, Agency Roles and Responsibilities, and Perspectives
    GAO-20-66R
      Published:   Feb 2, 2020
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 2, 2020
.
    Candidates, parties, and PACs spent about $6 billion on federal elections in 2017 and 2018, according to the Federal Election Commission. Among other things, this report provides views from a range of specialists on federal campaign finance issues. For example, specialists noted that campaign finance laws and regulations have not kept up with the internet and do not regulate online political ads to the same...
    
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