14 DAY TRIAL // An apparently harmless workaround made in a security clearance application caused panic among Aussie state officials because they were performed without being properly documented and managed.
The process is simple. The Defence Security Authority in Brisbane releases the clearances and the Australian Security and Intelligence Organization (ASIO) authorizes them.
As stated by SC Magazine, the problem occurred because the software application used by the Defence Security Authority was very inflexible and required the completion of certain form fields that would normally be left blank. The apparent solution to this issue was to fill the text fields with insignificant information so that the app would complete the operation.
ASIO approved of the method as they thought the whole procedure would be coordinated and managed by the book.
As it turns out, nothing was documented so thousands of clearances were issued containing false information that might be taken advantage of by someone with bad intentions.
Shadow Defence Minister David Johnston fears that this error might endanger national security, so all the documents have to be rechecked to avoid an unpleasant situation.
“This is really over the top. We've got embassies, we have got bases, we've even probably got ministerial security compromised, not to mention the flow through to ASIO which the minister has indirectly flagged,” revealed the Defence Minister.
It is true that there are many applications that require such workarounds. In some cases, the programming is done correctly but new situations emerge and small tricks have to be used in order to successfully complete a process. In other scenarios, a flaw in the application that cannot be quickly solved forces people to apply such measures.
No matter which is the case, everything has to be properly documented and coordinated to prevent unfortunate events from occurring. I hope that the Australian officials' misfortune will act as a lesson, especially to those with a higher responsibility.