Russian Access to Sensitive DC Metro System Uncovered by Watchdog

A former contractor for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) retained access to "critical and sensitive" data from his computer in Russia after leaving his job, according to a report from the WMATA's inspector general. The report raises concerns about the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of the transit system, which serves hundreds of thousands of people each day in the nation's capital. The incident highlights the risk of outsourcing IT work to Russia, and the inspector general plans to review WMATA's cybersecurity practices and background investigations.