Summary
A 60-year-old information systems security analyst with prior security clearance was denied a new clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline K (Handling Protected Information). The denial stemmed from a pattern of security violations and the applicant's failure to disclose a corrective action memo (CAM).
Specific allegations included failing to secure a classified document, improperly posting a document with special handling instructions on an unclassified share drive, and improperly scanning and emailing classified material on an unclassified system. Additionally, the applicant received a CAM in 2015 for falsifying documents related to task completion and altering associated paperwork.
The judge found a pattern of negligence in handling classified information and an intentional omission regarding the 2015 CAM during the security clearance application and interview. The applicant's testimony did not mitigate concerns about reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a pattern of security violations indicating negligence in handling classified information.
- The applicant intentionally failed to disclose a 2015 CAM during his security clearance application and personal security interview, raising questions about his candor and judgment.
- The applicant's testimony did not sufficiently mitigate concerns regarding his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- K.34(a)raisedDeliberate or Negligent Disclosure of Protected Information to Unauthorized Persons
- K.34(g)raisedFailure to Comply with Rules for the Protection of Classified or Sensitive Information
- K.34(h)raisedNegligence or Lax Security Practices That Persist Despite Counseling by Management
- E.16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- E.16(b)raisedDeliberately Providing False or Misleading Information
- E.16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- E.16(e)raisedPersonal Conduct That Creates a Vulnerability to Exploitation
Key Rule Quoted
“[N]o one has a ‘right’ to a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 28, 2017
- Answer filedMay 24, 2017
- Hearing heldFeb 26, 2018Rescheduled from November 16, 2017
- Decision dateJul 6, 2018
Cite For
- Pattern of Negligence in Handling Classified Information Under Guideline K
- Intentional Omission of Relevant Facts Under Guideline E
- Impact of Multiple Security Violations on Trustworthiness and Reliability Assessments