Security of state secrets at the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) and the police was inadequate, leading to potential leaks, according to a report by the Auditdienst Rijk sent to the House of Representatives by Minister Van Weel of Justice. Last fall, two individuals were arrested for possessing and distributing state secrets to the Moroccan intelligence service.
A NCTV employee was found with classified information at home. The report highlights failures in adhering to regulations regarding access to state secrets and tracking document handling.
Recommendations include restricting access to necessary information only, monitoring employee activities, limiting printing, managing USB sticks, and conducting regular risk assessments. Despite past risk evaluations, the NCTV lacked a current assessment of threats to state secrets.
The NCTV stores sensitive information on cybersecurity and economic security and oversees the protection of certain individuals, such as politicians, while monitoring domestic and international terrorist threats. Minister Van Weel has requested further investigation into the implementation of the report’s recommendations and revisions made since the arrests.
Source: NOS