Missing Mail Causes Reason for Worry

In January, Highmark sent a detailed health insurance billing statement to Boscov’s Department Store in Reading, Pennsylvania. The data, printed and mailed in a standard envelope, arrived torn, damaged, and with pages missing.

Although the initial thought is that the information was lost through the mail, there is still reason to worry–where the missing data is is the primary concern for Highmark and Boscov’s.

Approximately 3,7000 members’ information was in this envelope, and Highmark has sent letters to those affected, offering free credit monitoring services in the event identity theft occurs from this particular incident.

Payroll Firm Victim of Hacker Attack on their Systems

Large payroll processing firm, Ceridian Corpo. of Bloomington, Minnesota, had their system breached by a hacker, and now the names, Social Security numbers, and bank account information of some 27,000 employees working at 1,900 companies around the nation are at risk of being used for identity theft.

Sometime around the end of December, a hacker got into Ceridian’s payroll system and the breach is considered serious considering the information that was stored on their databases.

Ceridian has also been the victim of a disgruntled former employee stealing personal information back in 2007. Financial information was also at risk in this incident, as well, and Ceridian is taking the proper steps per their protocol to notify those affected and to take the steps to prevent another security breach from happening in the future. In the meantime, it is highly suggested that those affected sign up for credit monitoring services.

Columbia University offers Identity Theft Protection Services after Laptops with Personal Data Stolen

Mid January, 2010, Columbia University reported that some 1,400 current, former, and prospective students to Columbia University had their information saved on laptops that were stolen from the Columbia College office.

A statement was sent out to all of those affected, even though the stolen laptops were password protected. Considering the information stored on the laptops was highly sensitive, including Social Security numbers and the like, they have decided to offer identity theft protection services to all those whose data is at risk. In the meantime, a criminal investigation is underway to attempt to obtain the laptops back and arrest those involved with the theft occurrence.

California University Employees at Risk for Identity Theft Due to Computer Virus

A sophisticated computer virus was found on a computer at Humboldt State University, which left the personal data of approximately 3,500 past employees of the school at risk for identity theft.

The virus, which is utilized to steal log in information from the computer, allows access to outsiders, thus leaving the Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information of employees who worked between 2002 and 2006.

It is encouraged that those who have worked for the Humboldt State University sign up for credit monitoring services to ensure that their data and financial security is safe and secure, and to watch for unusual activities on their accounts.

http://www.creditprotectionpro.com/credit-monitoring-services/

Some 80,000 Records of Casino Employee Information Accessed Due to Server Hack

The Department of Administrative Services in Iowa notified the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission that there was a system hack on a computer server that is home to some 80,000 records of casino employees.

This data, which includes names, birthdays and Social Security numbers, has been accessed by an outside source, but there have been no reports of improper use at this point. It is advised that those who have obtained an occupational license for Iowa gaming and racing venues keep a close eye on their personal credit reports and monitor for identity theft activities by utilizing a credit report monitoring service.

State of Alaska Fears the Worst for Possible Identity Theft Victims

The accounting firm, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, LLC, is in hot water after the Attorney General finds out that the company knew of a data breach since early December 2009, but just recently released the information.

The data breach affects some 77,000 Alaskans who will now need to be paid for identity theft protection services in the event victims arise from this situation. This is a settlement that could run Alaska millions of dollars if it becomes a serious incident.

This security breach involves the birthdates, Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information of public employees, teachers or retirees who worked for the state of Alaska before the year 2005. This could be, potentially, a huge expense and hassle for all those involved.

Some Quarter Million Affected When a Computer Hard Drive from the National Archives Goes Missing

It is just now being reported that a computer hard drive that was sent to the National Archives and Records Administration went missing almost a year ago. Personally identifying information, including Social Security numbers and the like, were included on this hard drive, and it contains the data of a quarter of a million Clinton administration staff and White House visitors.

At this point in time, the National Archives and Records Administration is attempting to notify all those who may have been affected, but this could take some considerable time.

If you feel as though you may be affected by this data breach, it is a wise idea to ensure your financial and personal data is safe by enlisting in a credit monitoring service.

Patients of UCSF Are at Risk for Identity Theft after Laptop Stolen from School of Medicine Employee

Near the end of November, 2009, a laptop that contained sensitive information was stolen from an employee of the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, resulting in an identity theft scare for the 4,400 patients whose information was stored on this computer.

After an investigation, the police department recovered the laptop near the beginning of January 2010, and have begun the process of addressing the patients whose information was accessible during this time. Although a long process, UCSF is working with the police department and the hospital to ensure that everyone is notified of the incident. Although the information included did not include the patients’ Social Security numbers and financial data, it is still at risk for medical identity theft and is, therefore, still a concern for all those involved. It is advised that those affected sign up for credit protection services to monitor unusual activity on their financial and medical accounts.

UCSF has a toll free number available to call if you have any questions–the number is 1-877-809-1270 extension 74005.

Columbus Public Health Department’s Theft Puts Employees at Risk for Identity Theft

It is unknown exactly how many Columbus Public Health Department employees are affected by a recent theft of personal information within the Columbus, Ohio department, but all employees, regardless, have been offered one year of identity theft protection services at the cost of CPH.

It is suspected that the theft was an inside job, considering only employees with a keycard could access the room that held this sensitive data. This data includes the information of present employees, as well as those who have worked at the department approximately up to three years ago.

The investigation is underway, and there is a person of interest, but no arrests yet. Until then, the identity theft protection services should assist those who may be affected in protecting their financial history.

Social Security Numbers on Tax Documents Visible Through Envelope While in the Mail

Students of the University of Missouri have been receiving their 1098-T forms for their taxes, but unfortunately, most of the forms were mailed with the full or partial Social Security number visible through the window of the envelope.

The mail was handled only by the university themselves and the United States Post Office upon delivery to the recipients, and there have been no signs of misuse. The school, however, has supplied information for the students in regards to the credit monitoring services that students could utilize at a discount due to this situation.

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