Missing computers with "sensitive" information - dead bodies at the State Dept. - war on Iraq

Come on, you know they're connected.

Back when I first started this blog, in ancient history as American news goes, on October 15, I posted an article about a missing laptop computer that had sensitive airport security information on it. A truly bonehead situation at a time of supposed imminent threat to national security. I wonder whatever became of that story.

In light of some other stories I came across this morning as I was looking for something more on the mysterious death of John Kokal (previous post), I'd say we maybe ought to invest in some of those heavy duty handcuffs they use in the movies to strap the guy to the valuable laptop.

For instance, here's another computer gone missing that has "vital" airport information.

July 21, 2003
Missing Computer Adds to Airport Screeners' Woes

Federal officials are quietly scouring the Washington, D.C., area for a stolen laptop computer loaded with vital information on dozens of airport baggage and passenger screeners that could be used to forge IDs.

The computer, property of the federal Transportation Security Administration, contains screeners' names and addresses, along with social security numbers, birthdates and other personal data. It was stolen from an agency staffer's car in late May, according to TSA spokeswoman Chris Rhatigan.

"We are working furiously to get it back and we've sent out a message to let all of our screeners know they need to safeguard their personal information," Rhatigan said.

Oops. Too late, isn't it?

But how about this one?

Highly classified State Department computer missing

April 17, 2000
Web posted at: 7:18 p.m. EDT (2318 GMT)

WASHINGTON -- The FBI is investigating the disappearance of a State Department laptop computer that contained "highly classified" information.

State Department officials said the computer was reported missing from its Bureau of Intelligence and Research offices in early February.

...The Bureau of Intelligence and Research is an internal intelligence analysis unit. It receives information from the intelligence community, U.S. embassies and such sources as newspapers, magazines and television reports, then distills them for diplomatic rather than military needs.

The bureau is responsible for handling all top-secret reports at the State Department. Dozens of analysts work there and are responsible for certain regions or specific subject matters.

The missing computer contained information classified in the most sensitive category. U.S. officials say there is concern some of the information on the computer was so-called "code- word" material -- a classification higher than top secret.

Emphasis mine.

I might also emphasize that this particular computer went missing in 2000.

And, perhaps this is incidental, but that fellow John Kokal? This was his department. That's how I ended up finding this article, trying to find more on Kokal's unseemly demise.

And that's also the department that's going to bear the responsibility for pResident Napoleon Bonehead's boner, n'est ce pas?

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.