Marine One leak via P2P software

In my last post about the dangers of P2P software, I discussed how P2P software may prove useful for collaboration, but there are also many risks. In the news recently, reports disclosed that the blueprints of Marine One (the President’s helicopter) was found on a P2P network. According to the CEO of the firm who found the file, “We found a file containing entire blueprints and avionics package for Marine One, which is the president’s helicopter.”

Speculation is being made as to who was responsible for the leak. It is thought to possibly be a defense contractor who may have had the program installed on their computer. According to retired General Clark, “We know exactly what computer it came from. I’m sure that person is embarrassed and may even lose their job, but we know where it came from and we know where it went.” Supposedly, the file was accessed in Iran, China, Pakistan, and a few other places.

People don’t realize the dangers involved when installing this type of software on their computers. My question is how was this software allowed to be installed on a system that held such sensitive data?