Brookhaven Lab Plans Cyber and Physical Security Stand Down, October 5

October 3, 2006

UPTON, NY — Brookhaven National Laboratory has been assessing its cyber and physical security controls in order to evaluate how well the Laboratory is protecting its information and computer networks. The Laboratory has made substantial progress in reducing risks but has also found areas that need improvement.

While there has been no breach of security and no loss of personal information, Laboratory Director Sam Aronson has decided to focus employees more strongly on cyber and physical security by having a stand down on Thursday, October 5, 2006.

During the day shift on Thursday, the Laboratory will disconnect from the Internet, employees will meet in small groups to discuss their responsibilities with regard to cyber and physical security, and short-term corrective actions will be taken immediately. All Internet access, including delivery and receipt of external e-mail, will be suspended during that eight-hour period on Thursday.

Brookhaven Lab recognizes the importance of cyber and physical security to its successful operations. The stand down is an important step toward strengthening security at the Laboratory. A corrective action plan developed during the stand down will be implemented in the days and weeks ahead.

2006-10542  |  INT/EXT  |  Newsroom