A user with a Russian IP address attempted to log into NLRB systems shortly after DOGE gained access, raising concerns about potential foreign intelligence operations. A whistleblower alleges DOGE exfiltrated data and disabled security monitoring, and received threats after raising concerns internally.
The main article discusses the access and activities of Marko Elez, a 25-year-old employee of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the U.S. Treasury Department. Here’s a summary:
- **Elez’s Access and Activity:** Initially, Elez was given read-only access to the Treasury payment systems. On February 5, a mistake was made, and he was granted "write" privileges (data-editing rights) for one day, which was quickly revoked by Treasury staff. There is no evidence that Elez altered any data during this period.
- **Security Measures:** Treasury implemented stringent security measures to limit Elez's access and activity, including the use of a Bureau-issued laptop, cybersecurity tools to monitor his activity, and a restricted sandbox environment for code development.
- **Controversial Reporting:** Previous reports suggested Elez had administrative-level access, which was later contradicted by these documents. This raises questions about the accuracy of previous news stories.
- **Court Documents:** Affidavits filed by Treasury officials, including Joseph Gioeli and Vona Robinson, provide details on Elez's access and activities, clarifying the extent of his privileges and the security measures in place.
- **Legal Action:** The court documents are part of a lawsuit filed by 19 attorneys general to limit access by DOGE employees to Treasury payment systems, arguing that DOGE workers have no legal authority to access such systems.
- **Impact and Resolution:** Elez resigned on February 6, and his access was terminated. No critical payments were disrupted, and no security breaches occurred, as the Treasury staff took precautions to limit his access.
- **Elez’s Access and Activity:** Initially, Elez was given read-only access to the Treasury payment systems. On February 5, a mistake was made, and he was granted "write" privileges (data-editing rights) for one day, which was quickly revoked by Treasury staff. There is no evidence that Elez altered any data during this period.
- **Security Measures:** Treasury implemented stringent security measures to limit Elez's access and activity, including the use of a Bureau-issued laptop, cybersecurity tools to monitor his activity, and a restricted sandbox environment for code development.
- **Controversial Reporting:** Previous reports suggested Elez had administrative-level access, which was later contradicted by these documents. This raises questions about the accuracy of previous news stories.
- **Court Documents:** Affidavits filed by Treasury officials, including Joseph Gioeli and Vona Robinson, provide details on Elez's access and activities, clarifying the extent of his privileges and the security measures in place.
- **Legal Action:** The court documents are part of a lawsuit filed by 19 attorneys general to limit access by DOGE employees to Treasury payment systems, arguing that DOGE workers have no legal authority to access such systems.
- **Impact and Resolution:** Elez resigned on February 6, and his access was terminated. No critical payments were disrupted, and no security breaches occurred, as the Treasury staff took precautions to limit his access.
