For example, the IT auditors within Skinner's office will look at whether existing security controls are effective in protecting personal information stored in the systems that support the DHS's Transportation Worker Identification Credential program. Under that program, some workers are issued identification cards that give them clearance to visit secure areas of the U.S. transportation system without an escort, as well as access to computers used in transportation security efforts.

The auditing plan for fiscal 2006, which began last Oct. 1, was released separately from the report excerpt that detailed the management challenges faced by the DHS. Skinner said other audits related to IT security will include an evaluation of whether the agency has established adequate controls over its Automated Commercial Environment trade-processing system, which is used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection unit to collect, process and analyze commercial import and export data. The inspector general also wants to determine whether the agency has created adequate policies and procedures to safeguard laptop PCs and the data that is stored on them.

In addition, the DHS auditors will review the agency's IT integration strategy and implementation efforts and look at whether it has effectively managed the use of radio frequency identification technology, Skinner said.

And in the wake of the information-sharing problems that hampered relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast last August, the inspector general's office plans to evaluate how effective the DHS has been at ensuring effective communication to support future disaster response and recovery work.