Possible Security Glitch in FBI E-Mail System
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The FBI (search) said Friday it has shut down an e-mail system that it uses to communicate with the public because of a possible security breach.
The bureau is investigating whether someone hacked into the www.fbi.gov e-mail system, which is run by a private company, officials said.
"We use these accounts to communicate with you folks, view internet sites, and conduct other non-sensitive bureau business such as sending out press releases," Special Agent Steve Lazarus, the FBI's media coordinator in Atlanta, said in an e-mail describing the problem.
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The FBI computer system that is used for case files, classified and sensitive information, and internal communications is unaffected, Lazarus said.
The bureau is in the process of switching its e-mail accounts, officials said.
Lawmakers and the Justice Department's inspector general have criticized the FBI for taking too much time and spending too much money to upgrade its computer systems. A $170 million project, Virtual Case File (search), may have to be scrapped because it is outdated and inadequate, FBI Director Robert Mueller (search) acknowledged Thursday in testimony on Capitol Hill.