The action came as the F.B.I. investigated the loss of a laptop computer said to contain highly sensitive files.
On Thursday, software developers on Twitter started posting web links to searches for sensitive files using Git Hubs own search tool.
In his opening statement on Tuesday, Hart addressed the issue of the full disclosure of sensitive files and documents relating to the scandal.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has determined with a high degree of confidence that the sensitive files were neither compromised nor read, the veterans agency said.
"Googledorks" – people who leave sensitive files and credentials exposed to indexing by the search giant – have long existed, and there are websites that deliberately expose them.
Almost 200 families of people killed by all sides in the Troubles are accusing David Cameron's government of redacting and covering up sensitive files into their deaths.
The case of the missing laptop, which contained highly sensitive files, including intelligence sources, was one of several security breaches at the department this year.
asked Bourie if he could hack into the former employee's home network, assess whether the company laptop was connected to it, and, if so, erase any sensitive files.
Now that this flaw has gained public attention, it will put the onus on developers to check and purge their sensitive files – and their software.
The company said that a search of computer records revealed other activities in the weeks before his departure in which he appeared to have copied sensitive files.
General Alexander testified last week that his organization saw an inbound attack that aimed to steal sensitive files from an American arms manufacturer.
