By Alice Lipowicz

FCW.com

Oct 09, 2009

The Homeland Security Department's most popular Web sites appear to be vulnerable to hackers and could put department data at risk of loss or unauthorized use, according to a new report from DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner.

An audit of cybersecurity for DHS' nine most frequently visited Web sites found that although general security protocols were followed, there were still a number of vulnerabilities and gaps in security, including inconsistent management of security patching and security assessments.

"These vulnerabilities could put DHS data at risk," Skinner wrote in the report issued Oct. 8. "In addition, DHS can make improvements in managing its system inventory and providing technical oversight and guidance in order to evaluate the security threats to its public-facing Web sites."

The nine sites - including sites for DHS agencies that include U.S.

Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard, and the Transportation Security Administration - had recommended security settings and controls in addition to strong password and access controls, but had weaknesses in other areas, Skinner wrote.