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Information technology services industry

Sensitive Details of US Missile System Found on Discarded Computer Sold on eBay

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A used computer purchased on eBay from a joint research project by three universities contained highly sensitive information about the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, a U.S. Army project designed by Lockheed Martin to shoot down ballistic missiles using a hit-to-kill approach. The system's test launch procedures, blueprints of facilities, and sensitive personal data on Lockheed Martin employees were discovered on the computer, highlighting the risks of carelessly discarded computer equipment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is a U.S. Army project designed by Lockheed Martin to shoot down ballistic missiles using a hit-to-kill approach.
  • The system's test launch procedures, blueprints of facilities, and sensitive personal data on Lockheed Martin employees were found on a used computer purchased on eBay.
  • The computer was part of a joint research project by three universities (Longwood University, Glamorgan University, and Edith Cowan University) to document the risks of carelessly discarded computer equipment.
  • The U.S. Department of Defense requires hard drives to be wiped clean as part of the standards for disposal of used computers.
  • The discovery of sensitive information on the discarded computer begs the question of what other sensitive information may be out there.
  • Lockheed Martin declined to comment on the issue.

Statistics:

  • The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is a system designed by Lockheed Martin to shoot down ballistic missiles.
  • The system uses a hit-to-kill approach to destroy incoming missiles.
  • The Department of Defense requires hard drives to be wiped clean as part of the standards for disposal of used computers.
  • The computer containing sensitive information was purchased on eBay as part of a joint research project by three universities.

Sources:

  • The Guardian (no date provided)
  • Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd./Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company (no date provided)

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