SCHOOL THESIS

Use of Information Technology Systems
Unauthorized entry into any compartmented computer system; storing or
processing classified information on any system not explicitly approved
for classified processing; or attempting to circumvent or defeat security or
auditing systems, without prior authorization from the system
administrator, other than as part of a legitimate system testing or security
research. 159
After an employee receives a security clearance, that individual will participate in
the Continuous Evaluation Program (CEP or more often simply referred to as CE.)
According to the Defense Security Service (DSS), “CEP involves the uninterrupted
assessment of a person for retention of a security clearance or continuing assignment to
sensitive duties.” 160 Continuing evaluation is a critical part of the personnel security
process. The clearance holder is subject to periodic reinvestigation (every five years for
top secret level clearances, 10 years for secret level, and 15 years for confidential) and
to a reasonable degree of monitoring by supervisors, co-workers, and
security professionals between investigations. These safeguards are
necessary because situations and behaviors change over time. Experience
shows that individuals approved for a security clearance or position of
trust sometimes fall into a pattern of unreliable or untrustworthy behavior
after being granted an initial clearance. 161
Additionally, “the vital need in protect[ing] national security secrets must include
rigorous investigation of unauthorized disclosures of classified information to identify the
individuals who commit them, and vigorous enforcement of the applicable
administrative, civil, and criminal provisions already available.” 162
According to a letter from Office of the Attorney General:
The responsibility for correcting the problem of unauthorized disclosures
of classified information falls squarely upon the shoulders of all
Government officers and employees who are privileged to handle
classified Government information. Department and agency heads have
substantial authority to address the problem of persons who engage in the
159 Ibid.
160 Ibid., 9.
161 Ibid.
162 Office of the Attorney General, Letter to the Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, 3.
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