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White House Weighs Personal Mobile Phone Ban For Staff (bloomberg.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the unauthorized-news-leaks dept.

The White House is considering banning its employees from using personal mobile phones while at work. While President Trump has been vocal about press leaks since taking office, one official said the potential change is driven by cybersecurity concerns. Bloomberg reports: One official said that there are too many devices connected to the campus wireless network and that personal phones aren't as secure as those issued by the federal government. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly -- whose personal phone was found to be compromised by hackers earlier this year -- is leading the push for a ban, another official said. The White House already takes precautions with personal wireless devices, including by requiring officials to leave phones in cubbies outside of meeting rooms where sensitive or classified information is discussed. Top officials haven't yet decided whether or when to impose the ban, and if it would apply to all staff in the executive office of the president. While some lower-level officials support a ban, others worry it could result in a series of disruptive unintended consequences.

3 of 113 comments (clear)

  1. make them deal with SCIF rules by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    You're not allowed to bring your phone into a SCIF. Why in the hell should you be allowed to bring your personal device into the damn White House? Make the Executive Office of the President follow those same rules too.

    1. Re:make them deal with SCIF rules by Sarten-X · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Yeah, that's kind of my thought, too. I could understand a section of the White House being open for unsecured electronics, and a "official business" section being completely secured.

      The White House already takes precautions with personal wireless devices, including by requiring officials to leave phones in cubbies outside of meeting rooms where sensitive or classified information is discussed.

      "No electronics" is the standard practice for any classified space. I'd be extremely concerned if unsecured phones were allowed in classified meetings, but I can't really say I'd be surprised, considering this administration.

      --
      You do not have a moral or legal right to do absolutely anything you want.
    2. Re: make them deal with SCIF rules by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I'm not clear on your position. Is Trump a dirty sleazy totalitarian or did Obama do no wrong? Your statement requires at least one of those be true to be consistent.