Intruder Accesses University Server, Unknown if Data Compromised

The information of some 176,000 past and present employees and students of Virginia Commonwealth University is potentially at risk after routine server maintenance of the university computers revealed unauthorized activity. Unauthorized accounts were created on the server and were taken online, so the IT department is unsure of whether or not the files on the server had been opened, copied, or distributed.

While the university is unsure of what exactly occurred with the file and the intruder’s actions, they are still concerned because of the sensitivity of the information stored in the files. The files on this server included names, Social Security numbers, date of birth, and other contact information that can be used for identity theft. Though the risk is low, it is still present.

Virginia Commonwealth University has notified all of those who may have been affected both by email and through first-class mail. They suggest considering credit monitoring services and identity theft protection, as well as being diligent and monitoring personal financial accounts to ensure personal information is not at risk.

Financial Information of Hospital Bill-Pay Patients Left Publicly Available Online

Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas is currently working with Mid Continent Credit Services to offer one free year of credit monitoring services to their online bill-pay customers after finding out that information such as patient’s names, credit card data, checking account information, and other financially identifiable information was found publicly available online for approximately one month.

For any of their patients that make their hospital payments through the online bill-pay system by Mid Continent Credit Services, credit monitoring services are being offered to protect them from the possibilities of identity theft. However, it is recommended that individuals also closely monitor their credit card and bank statements for any unusual or suspicious activity that could be caused due to this incident.

Bankrupt Company Leaves Personal Documents at Facility

Indalex, Inc., a company that went out of business due to bankruptcy in 2009, left their nine-acre facility in Modesto, California vacant. While looters came to get metal scraps and anything of worth, it wasn’t until recently it was discovered that there were thousands of personal files that included names, birth dates, addresses, and Social Security numbers that spilled and started spreading through neighborhoods by wind.

The jail alternative work program from Stanislaus County organized work crews to go through the abandoned complex to find and recover as many files and paperwork as they could in order to reduce the risk for identity theft for previous employees and customers. The sheriffs and work crews are appalled at the negligence of personal information, as it should have been properly shredded and disposed of instead of being left inside the abandoned facility for the taking.

For anyone who has worked or dealt with the company Indalex Inc. in Modesto, California, it is strongly recommended that credit monitoring services be considered in order to protect their identities.

Employee Theft Leads to Use of Orthopedic Patient Information for Fraudulent Tax Returns

Thirty-two patients from Emory Healthcare orthopedic offices in Atlanta, Georgia were notified that their information was used to file fraudulent tax returns. This led investigators to determine the source of the problem–an employee that was fired for inappropriately handling patient files at the office.

The home of Annette Ford, 47, was investigated and boxes, folders, and binders of personal information of other individuals were found. This included a binder with almost 6,000 names with corresponding birth dates and Social Security numbers. There were also mortgage and bankruptcy paperwork, bank statements, tax returns, and other files that were or could be used for identity theft.

Incidences like this happen more often than we think, which is why it is essential to protect our identities and credit reports. Emory Healthcare is notifying over 7,000 individuals that may also be at risk because of this incident, and in the meantime, are recommending ways for their patients to protect their identity, with services such as credit report monitoring.

Website Hacked by Protesters of 99% Movement

In October of 2011, the websites of various law enforcement agencies were hacked, and the websites were defaced. Additionally, personal information such as Social Security numbers, names, addresses, and other employment information of police officers were posted publicly online with a notice that the attack was a support effort of the 99% movement, or the “Occupy Wall Street” protests, by the Anonymous and Antisec factions. Agencies affected include International Association of Chiefs of Police, Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s office in Alabama.

Anyone who has any affiliation with these associations or law enforcement agencies should be well aware of their risk for identity theft due to the actions of the hackers. Credit monitoring protection services are recommended to ensure that no financial accounts are accessed and used inappropriately due to the leak of personal information from this incident.

Wells Fargo Bank Customers Sent Wrong Bank Statements

Wells Fargo recently discovered that due to a printer error, monthly bank statements were sent to the wrong customers. It appears that there are approximately 30,000 incorrect statements that were sent to the wrong individuals. If this information ends up in the wrong hands, identity theft is a huge consequence.

Wells Fargo bank statements include the full bank account number, and with the right information, identity thieves can wreak havoc on other bank accounts and financial records. This, in turn, could cost Wells Fargo thousands of dollars if they end up footing the bill for fixing the credit of all those affected.

Though there have not been any reports of misuse due to this incident, it is highly recommended that Wells Fargo customers look over their statements regularly in order to ensure there are no errors or unusual charges on their bank accounts. This may be a sign of fraudulent use, and needs to be reported to the bank immediately. In the meantime, signing up for identity theft protection services is a great way to ensure protection of your financial accounts and history to ensure your good standing on your credit report.

Rent-to-Own Store Computer Stolen, Thousands of Customers at Risk for Identity Theft

Aaron’s Inc. rent-to-own store in Fresno, California was burglarized on September 26, 2011. During this time, numerous electronic devices were stolen, in addition to a computer that was used for the franchisee store operation. This particular computer stored customer data, including names, addresses, and Social Security numbers of those who have previously used the store’s services.

Although it is believed that the burglary was done in order to obtain high-ticket items such as electronics and not necessarily stealing the computer for the data stored, Aaron’s Inc. is still offering their customers one year of free credit monitoring services to help protect their customers from the possibility of identity theft.

Computer Backup Tapes Go Missing During Remodeling

Nemours Children’s Clinic in Wilmington, Delaware has released information regarding three computer backup tapes that went missing in August during a remodeling project at their facility. These encrypted tapes were stored in a locked cabinet and have gone missing sometime in the month of August.

Though the tapes were encrypted, there is always the concern for identity theft with personal information out there. The data stored on these drives included information from the years of 1994 to 2004 regarding 1.6 million patients and various guarantors and vendors from facilities located in Delaware, New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvania. Information included names, addresses, birth dates, social security numbers, and insurance/medical information.

Nemours is offering one year of free credit monitoring services to those who have been affected, and continue to take the steps to determine the cause of this incident and make attempts to recover or find the missing drives.

Sensitive File Exposed on Public Searches

The University of Georgia is currently attempting to contact a number of employees that worked at the university in 2002, which encompasses almost 19,000 individuals. This is due to the fact that a file that contained personal information such as Social Security numbers, addresses, and dates of birth was made publicly accessible online. The university believes this file was available from 2008 to 2011, but is unsure if it was up for even longer than that.

Information such as this can be used for identity theft, and can cause real concern for anyone that may have had their data online and accessible to anyone that performed a simple data search on an internet search engine. The University of Georgia encourages faculty and staff from 2002 to consider identity theft protection services, and to continually monitor their financial accounts for unusual or suspicious activity that may indicate fraud or identity theft.

Old Medical Records Dumped Years After Medical Practice Closes

A couple taking a walk one afternoon ran across hundreds of medical records strewn about behind a department store in Fort Wayne, Indiana. These medical records are those that belonged to James Graham, MD, a doctor that retired from his practice in 1996 and passed away in 1998. These records date back to patients from the 1970′s, and include personal information as well as medical diagnoses.

An investigation is underway to determine how these files ended up behind a dumpster some fifteen years later, left for anyone to take and use fraudulently. The paperwork is now being properly shredded and disposed of, but it is difficult to tell if any of the files had been taken and are being used for identity theft.

Individuals who used to visit Dr. James Graham’s practice that was previously located on Rudisill Boulevard should take the proper precautions to ensure that their personal information is not at risk. Credit monitoring services, as well as keeping a close eye on financial and medical accounts, can help catch identity theft as it happens and help you protect your good name.

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