Defense Department to update classified intel access protocols following leaks

The Department of Defense will alter the procedures by which its personnel may obtain access to classified materials following a major intelligence leak earlier this year.

A DOD report published Wednesday contended that, in general, the department does not have a significant issue with personnel inappropriately handling sensitive intelligence, but concluded that it nonetheless needed to tighten its security.

"The overwhelming majority of DoD personnel with access to classified national security information (CNSI) comply with security policies, processes, and procedures, and recognize the importance of information security in maintaining our national security," it reads, according to The Hill. However, it conceded that the DOD "should improve its security posture and accountability measures."

Among its recommendations are that the Pentagon monitor who has access to such documents and requirements to keep electronic devices out of classified work areas.

The recommendations follow one of the biggest intelligence leaks in modern U.S. history. Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, 21, stands accused of posting hundreds of classified documents to a Discord server over several months, including Pentagon assessments of the state of the Ukraine war. Discord is an online messaging service that caters to gamers.

Court filings indicated that Teixeira had received multiple warnings about his allegedly improper access to and handling of classified materials but that his superiors did not take further action. He has pleaded not guilty.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.