Breach, Threat Management, Data Security

DOJ investigates ATF official in possible data breach

An executive at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) headquarters is under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for allegedly improperly accessing and downloading ATF employee data.

Scott Sweetow, deputy assistant director for strategic intelligence and information, was accused of sending employees' personal information to his personal account from his work email.

While the ATF doesn't discuss ongoing investigations, DOJ spokesperson Patrick Rodenbush told CNN in a statement, his department “has security solutions in place that detect the transmission of sensitive personally identifiable information outside the Department's computer network.” If a problem is detected, the agency at which the incident occurred is contacted for additional investigation and to take appropriate action.

Sweetow told the news outlet, “It appears somebody is actively seeking to damage my reputation.” The number of people affected by the incident has not been determined.

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