A document leak occurs when classified information is released to the public without authorization. The release may occur through email, messaging apps or social media. In the past, such leaks have led to significant consequences for the US government and its allies. The Pentagon warns all cleared personnel to be careful when handling classified information because of the risk of disclosure through unauthorised channels.
Investigators work to understand the ‘chain of custody’ of leaked material – the means of dissemination and point of origin. A thorough review can help contain the breach, identify key systems or people involved and prevent further leaks from occurring. Initial analysis can include reviewing access logs, examining communication metadata and looking for signs of a’remote connection’ or other digital evasion methods used to mask identity.
This week, images of documents believed to be classified US intelligence reports appeared on an instant messaging server linked to a gaming community, including the popular Discord platform. It was later alleged that the images had been posted by an individual with access to classified information. The incident highlights the continuing challenges in controlling classified documents. It is a problem that has plagued the US for decades, despite repeated efforts to curb it.
The only solution is to overhaul the government’s approach to protecting classified information. It must demand a professional secrecy ethic for everyone cleared for such access and establish clear legal boundaries and responsibilities, as well as rigorously investigate violations and apply severe administrative and criminal penalties to offenders.
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