Summary
A 49-year-old senior configuration analyst, who held a secret security clearance since 2002, was denied continued access to classified information. The denial stemmed from concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline K (Handling Protected Information), and Guideline M (Use of Information Technology).
The applicant was found to have stored classified passwords for computer systems and combinations for classified container locks on her unclassified work computer for two years. She then transmitted this classified information to her unclassified home computer using her personal email account. These actions, which occurred between 2008 and 2010 during the normal course of her employment, demonstrated questionable judgment and unreliability.
Despite the applicant's actions not being recent, the judge determined that her conduct cast serious doubt on her reliability and judgment concerning the safeguarding of classified information. Consequently, her security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant stored classified passwords and combinations for classified containers on an unclassified work computer.
- She transmitted classified information to her unclassified home computer via personal email.
- Her conduct raised serious doubts about her reliability and judgment regarding the protection of classified information.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 34(b)appliedCollecting or Storing Classified or Other Protected Information at Home or in Any Other Unauthorized Location
- AG ¶ 34(c)appliedLoading, Drafting, Editing, Modifying, Storing, Transmitting, or Otherwise Handling Classified Reports, Data, or Other Information on Any Unapproved Equipment
- AG ¶ 16(c)appliedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- AG ¶ 35(a)appliedSo Much Time Has Elapsed Since the Behavior, or It Has Happened so Infrequently or Under Such Unusual Circumstances, That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 35(b)appliedThe Individual Responded Favorably to Counseling or Remedial Security Training
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 either receive or continue to have access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 29, 2012
- Answer filedDec 21, 2012Applicant admitted all allegations.
- Hearing held—Decision made without a hearing.
- Decision dateApr 30, 2013
Cite For
- Security Violations Involving Handling Classified Information Under Guidelines K and M
- Lack of Judgment and Reliability in Safeguarding Classified Information
- Impact of Prior Security Training on Applicant's Conduct