Summary
A 60-year-old systems administrator with a long history of security clearance was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), K (Handling Protected Information), and M (Use of Information Technology). The denial stemmed from a pattern of unauthorized access to classified information, improper handling of protected data, and personal conduct issues.
Specific allegations included deliberately searching a supervisor's desk for salary information in 2001, removing company computer parts for personal use in July 2001, and viewing pornographic material on a company computer between 1998 and 2001. Further issues in 2006 involved violating security rules by carrying a flash memory device into a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) multiple times, knowingly bringing an activated cell phone into the SCIF for thrill-seeking, and failing to secure a classified document within the SCIF for two to three days.
The judge found that the applicant's actions, including viewing classified materials without a need to know and repeated violations of security protocols, demonstrated a lack of reliability and trustworthiness. These actions, which included unauthorized entry into information technology systems and failure to comply with rules for protecting sensitive information, led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant engaged in unauthorized access to classified information on multiple occasions.
- He admitted to viewing sensitive materials without a need to know, violating security protocols.
- The applicant's history of personal conduct issues raised significant doubts about his trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 34(f)appliedViewing or Downloading Information From a Secure System When the Information Is Beyond the Individual's Need-to-know
- AG ¶ 34(g)appliedAny Failure to Comply with Rules for the Protection of Classified or Other Sensitive Information
- AG ¶ 16(d)appliedCredible Adverse Information That Is Not Explicitly Covered Under Any Other Guideline
- AG ¶ 16(e)appliedPersonal Conduct That Creates a Vulnerability to Exploitation, Manipulation, or Duress
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance decision is intended only to resolve the question of whether it is clearly consistent with the national interest for an applicant to receive or continue to have access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 24, 2009
- Answer filedSep 14, 2009Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing was conducted.
- Decision dateMay 17, 2010
Cite For
- Unauthorized Access to Classified Information Under Guideline M
- Handling Protected Information Violations Under Guideline K
- Personal Conduct Issues Impacting Trustworthiness Under Guideline E