GAO slams insecure government information systems

More than half of US government offices have weak security over their information systems, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

In a review of progress to meeting federal financial management targets by 24 departments, the GAO said, "Agencies continue to fall short in their attempts to establish the financial systems needed to create the full range of information needed for effective day to day management."

The GAO found more than half of departments struggled with information security, non-integration of their financial systems, inaccurate and late recording of information and inadequate reconciliation.

They fared slightly better with compliance with the Standard General Ledger, and sticking to federal accounting standards.

The GAO said poor discipline meant modernisation efforts "far too often do not meet cost, schedule and performance goals."