A network for sharing top-secret information by the Department of Homeland Security was developed in a rush. Furthermore it was inadequate to meet the needs of users.

The damning indictment comes in a report by the department's own Inspector General, Richard L. Skinner.

The Homeland Security Secure Data Network was developed n in less than nine months. The reason for the speed was a deadline for them to be cut off from the Pentagon's own secure network.

The accelerated schedule "prevented DHS from adequately completing critical system development requirements,” the IG report said.

Testing and security implementation requirements had not been completed by the November 2004 date.

“Without completing and documenting these activities in sufficient time for review and adjustment to eliminate or mitigate risk, DHS does not have assurance that HSDN complies with security standards and practices,” the report continued.

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