SOCIAL SECURITY

News Release

Social Security Earns Highest Grade from Congress
on Computer Security Report Card

The Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) computer security efforts earned the top grade for all Federal agencies in an annual Congressional report card. With a grade of "B-," SSA is the top-ranking government agency for the second time in three years. This report card, the third annual, is issued by the House Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, Financial Management and Intergovernmental Relations.

"Social Security has always recognized the importance of protecting the privacy of the people we serve and ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the records we keep," said James B. Lockhart, the Deputy Commissioner of Social Security. "For more than 65 years, SSA has honored its commitment to the American people to maintain the confidentiality of our records."

In the two previous years the report card was issued SSA has fared well, earning the highest grade in 2000 with a "B" and the second highest mark in 2001. The subcommittee’s computer security grades are based on information contained in agency reports to the Office of Management and Budget.

The subcommittee’s chairman, Representative Stephen Horn (R-CA), stated "On the top end of the report card, I am pleased to note that the Social Security Administration continues to be a shining example of sound leadership and focused attention."

To view the computer security report card, please go to:

http://reform.house.gov/gefmir/hearings/2002hearings/1119_computer_security/computersecurityreportcard.doc (Word document)

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