Labor Dept. Watchdog Flags Three Data Breaches at U.S. Statistics Bureau, Calls for Stronger Safeguards

According to the U.S. Labor Department Office of Inspector General, the agency released an audit on June 30 flagging gaps in data protection at the Bureau of Labor Statistics despite remedial steps taken after multiple leaks of key economic indicators in 2024. The report examined three separate incidents: premature release of Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, delayed employment data publication, and limited disclosure of statistical methodology.

The watchdog confirmed the bureau has patched information technology vulnerabilities, revised performance standards, strengthened oversight, and updated policies and training. However, the office stated further improvements are needed to mitigate risks of improper disclosure of critical economic information.