1. So, was it top secret or confidential?
2. Is this the usual way of transporting classified information?
3. The classified information was encrypted with strong encryption, right? With no password stored on the same computer, right?
I bet most people had no idea that access codes were stored on pilots laptops. I certainly didn’t
With this story, a big bulleyes is now placed on any pilots laptop.
furthermore, why would they use fixed codes anyway? Many companys with relatively low security requirements have long abandoned fixed access codes and went to rotating codes combined with a personal fixed code (see secureid devices)
The carelessness of the pilot is serious and will be dealt with for sure. A breach of security by a crewmember, considering the horrible torture we are all put through by the TSA when we fly, is unforgivable. Now ask, was the pilot's ID badge with the laptop? Was the pilot's computer personal passcode etched on the computer? Was his employee code obtainable? Wouldn't airport or airline personnel challenge someone trying to access the airplane or the ramp? Believe me, many times I had to ask the gate agents to help me get on my own airplane, because the gate codes were harder than programming the B-777 that I flew!