Agency Urges Schools To Protect Research
POSTED: 7:00 am PDT June 12, 2007
UPDATED: 11:54 am PDT June 12, 2007
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BOSTON -- The FBI is warning colleges to be on the lookout for foreign spies or potential terrorists who might try to steal unclassified, sensitive research.
WCVB-TV reported that the security alert comes from the new head of Boston's FBI office.
Agents have made visits to local campuses such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, warning university authorities and students that spies may pose as international students or visitors to steal sensitive information or research that could be used by terrorists.Academics at top research universities, such as Harvard, are being warned to protect their research at all times and to secure their laptops when they travel, particularly when visiting foreign companies.
The universities also are being told to be wary of hotel Internet systems and to beware of hackers or anyone taking an inordinate interest in their research.
Special Agent in Charge Warren Bamford is asking researchers to report any suspicious activity or security concerns to either the FBI's Boston office, or to the local police.
Agents are training professors, students and security staff to recognize people who might try to exploit research.
Bamford said more visits are scheduled as part of a larger national program.
He said the goal is not to censor information but instead to raise awareness.
However, the American Civil Liberties Union said the program could hinder research.
One ACLU official said researchers may not ask all the questions they should because they know their efforts could be reported to the FBI.
POSTED: 7:00 am PDT June 12, 2007
UPDATED: 11:54 am PDT June 12, 2007
E-mail this story | Print this story
BOSTON -- The FBI is warning colleges to be on the lookout for foreign spies or potential terrorists who might try to steal unclassified, sensitive research.
WCVB-TV reported that the security alert comes from the new head of Boston's FBI office.
Agents have made visits to local campuses such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, warning university authorities and students that spies may pose as international students or visitors to steal sensitive information or research that could be used by terrorists.Academics at top research universities, such as Harvard, are being warned to protect their research at all times and to secure their laptops when they travel, particularly when visiting foreign companies.
The universities also are being told to be wary of hotel Internet systems and to beware of hackers or anyone taking an inordinate interest in their research.
Special Agent in Charge Warren Bamford is asking researchers to report any suspicious activity or security concerns to either the FBI's Boston office, or to the local police.
Agents are training professors, students and security staff to recognize people who might try to exploit research.
Bamford said more visits are scheduled as part of a larger national program.
He said the goal is not to censor information but instead to raise awareness.
However, the American Civil Liberties Union said the program could hinder research.
One ACLU official said researchers may not ask all the questions they should because they know their efforts could be reported to the FBI.
