The Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has successfully secured access to the Federal Personnel and Payroll System, a highly sensitive database managing salaries for approximately 276,000 federal employees across multiple government agencies.
According to a report by The New York Times, Musk and his team had spent nearly two weeks attempting to obtain administrative privileges for the system. Despite multiple warnings from senior officials regarding security risks, DOGE was granted access over the weekend.
Concerns Raised by Senior Officials
High-ranking officials from the Department of the Interior expressed concerns over the potential dangers of providing DOGE with administrative rights. In an internal memo, they warned that allowing unauthorized access could expose sensitive personal information protected under the Privacy Act. The officials also highlighted potential cybersecurity threats associated with untrained personnel handling classified data.
The memo emphasized that granting this level of access to individuals without formal qualifications could lead to system vulnerabilities and operational failures. Despite these concerns, federal employees reportedly instructed DOGE representatives to submit the memo for approval by Doug Burgum, the Interior Secretary. However, Burgum did not sign the document.
Access Granted Despite Warnings
Despite the unresolved security concerns, at least two DOGE representatives were granted access on Saturday. A spokesperson for the Interior Department later stated that the move aligns with President Trump’s directive to cut costs and enhance government efficiency. The spokesperson further noted that efforts are being made to implement executive orders aimed at streamlining government operations.
Cybersecurity and Government Transparency
The controversial decision raises questions about cybersecurity measures within federal agencies. Experts warn that unauthorized access to sensitive payroll systems could lead to data breaches and other security challenges. This incident underscores the ongoing debate over balancing government efficiency with data protection.
For further details, read the full report on The New York Times [external link].
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