Use of Chinese Web Browser on Government System Sinks Clearance Eligibility

Another interesting Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals case caught my eye because it involved a systems administrator and installation and use of a Chinese made web browser on his government workstation. The DoD initially denied his clearance eligibility based on security concerns involving finances and use of information technology. Here are the highlights of the appeal.

The applicant was terminated from employment in 2018 and then COVID-19 hit in 2019, compounding his ability to pay bills and taxes. He recently was able to negotiate payment plans with his creditors and has paid down most of the delinquent debts. He also got all of his delinquent tax years filed and paid. Based on this, the financial concerns were mitigated. However, the use of technology concern remained. The applicant had downloaded a Chinese-made web browser on his work computer, without authorization. While at work, he decided to test his company’s new WiFi network using the Chinese browser. The company IT Security Officer made contact within 48 hours to notify him that content from his computer was being sent to a server in China. He was terminated because of this incident.

At his appeal hearing, when asked why he didn’t use Internet Explorer or Chrome, he claimed it was because the browser he used opened new windows more quickly. When pressed, he finally admitted the performance of the browser was not significantly any better. The DOHA judge noted that although there have been no other similar incidents and time has passed since it happened, the fact that the applicant was a systems administrator whose job was to protect data when this incident occurred amplified the seriousness of the conduct. Clearance eligibility was denied.