How bad is it that rioters had physical access to Congress computers?

Question

Rioters today had physical access to congress staffers computers in some cases logged in [1]. Couldn't this have disastrous consequences for cybersecurity of the nation?https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/01/pro-trump-reporter-gloats-over-access-to-fleeing-hill-staffers-computer/

crx07 · Accepted Answer

First, I'll say that I've contracted for a state's caucus at the capitol building in addition to at the homes of minor politicians. That's my frame of reference.The real answer? It's nowhere near as bad in my opinion as the other implications of an insurrection. These systems are already poorly secured and also physically accessible by a number of other staff, so one more potential compromise is not changing much.

Robin_Message · Answer

I guess IT will soon be adding a system to lock all computers after the "building invasion" message is sent.(Because, whilst users ought to lock screens whenever they leave their desk, I can understand why that wouldn't happen in this situation, so a central control would have helped.)

apexalpha · Answer

That tweet in the article might be the most felonies anyone has ever admitted to in a single tweet.

throwawaybutwhy · Answer

Has any SCIF been breached? Cynically, when Chinese spies screw Congressmen, mob access to Congressional pron collections is worrying but not catastrophic.

hackily · Answer

How much does being a part of the press protect someone when illegal activities are involved?For example here, was this reporter already inside the Capitol reporting, or did he also enter the building together with the protestors?

nailer · Answer

I thought we were calling them 'protestors' now?

How bad is it that rioters had physical access to Congress computers?

Rioters today had physical access to congress staffers computers in some cases logged in [1]. Couldn't this have disastrous consequences for cybersecurity of the nation?
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/01/pro-trump-reporter-gloats-over-access-to-fleeing-hill-staffers-computer/

I guess IT will soon be adding a system to lock all computers after the "building invasion" message is sent.
(Because, whilst users ought to lock screens whenever they leave their desk, I can understand why that wouldn't happen in this situation, so a central control would have helped.)

That tweet in the article might be the most felonies anyone has ever admitted to in a single tweet.

Has any SCIF been breached? Cynically, when Chinese spies screw Congressmen, mob access to Congressional pron collections is worrying but not catastrophic.

How much does being a part of the press protect someone when illegal activities are involved?
For example here, was this reporter already inside the Capitol reporting, or did he also enter the building together with the protestors?

I thought we were calling them 'protestors' now?