Missing Keys At U.S. Nuke Labs

CBSNews.com through Drudge ^ | January 1, 2004 | compilation

[kimmie7]

The Energy Department is conducting a widespread review of security at America's nuclear weapons laboratories after reports of hundreds of missing keys, some of which could allow access to sensitive areas.

Sources tell CBS News that lock and key experts will begin visiting all U.S. nuclear labs next month to assess the problem of missing keys and apparent security lapses, reports CBS News Correspondent Sharyl Attkisson.

The review follows reports last summer that Oak Ridge National Laboratory had reported "a number" of keys missing.

In fact, 200 keys were missing.

Oak Ridge, located in Tennessee, was part of the Manhattan Project where uranium was processed for the first atomic bomb. Also known by its World War II code name "Y-12", it's considered the Fort Knox of highly enriched uranium — the kind terrorists could use for a devastating bomb.

Some of the missing keys, according to one source, "provide possible access to sensitive areas" at Oak Ridge.

[kimmie7]

I did a search on this before posting, and couldn't find this exact article so I went for it. Hope it's not a duplicate.

[Andy from Beaverton]

Found him!

[Tijeras_Slim]

Atleast 6 master keys at Livermore too.

Having worked in National Labs I see more incompetence than danger here.

[numberonepal]

So I guess they'll have to change some locks.

[mtbopfuyn]

Keys and locks only keep out honest persons. Why haven't they gone to eye ID or something?

[Trust but Verify]

In my experience, when God gave some people extreme intelligence, he took away their ability to walk and chew gum at the same time.

[LikeLight]

lock and key experts

Is this the dumbed-down way of saying locksmiths?

[kimmie7]

the Energy Department is launching a "lock and key inventory"

That's what got me. They're actually admitting there wasn't an inventory to begin with?!?! Geez, talk about incompetence.

[Lady Composer]

Unbelievable! I can't imagine that they don't some sort of computerized key/badge entrace setup as most workplaces are going toward now!

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

I would argue that incompetence = danger.

[Freedom2specul8]

I just can't imagine there not being a keymaster, and a person who looks over his shoulder....and one over his shoulder and so on..

[Libertina]

They still don't take security seriously. :(

[carenot]

The keys are right there, behind the copier.

[Tijeras_Slim]

In some instances I would agree. But in the areas I have worked where materials and facilities are present that would be tempting to a terrorist, there are other physical security controls, etc... that would preclude a successful theft/attack.

[Spunky]

"The review follows reports last summer that Oak Ridge National Laboratory had reported "a number" of keys missing.

I would say they are a little late looking into the stolen keys matter.

[Lady Composer]

RE: I would say they are a little late looking into the stolen keys matter.

You're right on the money there!

[showme_the_Glory]

This is serious. I know because my wife looses her keys at least once a day.

ooops. serious = series

[demlosers]

When it comes to Nuclear Surety, the civilian lab geeks sure suck. They have proven time and time again they cannot handle the security responsiblity, which should be handed over to grownups like the military. Then when these silly geeks break security, they get to eat some concrete when the get jacked up.