Auditors rap IRS for weak information security

The Internal Revenue Service has failed to secure sensitive electronic taxpayer information properly, increasing the potential for identity theft, according to an audit report released on Thursday.

The inspector general review of three computer systems at the IRS Office of Research, Analysis and Statistics showed several weaknesses in control over access to applications containing sensitive information.

"Managers and system administrators had not placed sufficient emphasis on maintaining the security and privacy of the taxpayer data they are charged with protecting," the report stated. Furthermore, officials failed to provide guidance or monitor compliance with IRS information security policies, and did not supply software to scan for security weaknesses, the IG found. .. More >>