Stolen VA Data Affects National Security

The Washington Post reports that 80% of active duty personnel data were included in the computer stolen from the home of a VA employee. This not only raises concerns about identity theft but also the safety of the families of those currently serving.

The department announced that personal data for as many as 1.1 million active-duty military personnel, 430,000 National Guard members and 645,000 reserve members may have been included on an electronic file stolen May 3 from a department employee’s house in Aspen Hill. The data include names, birth dates and Social Security numbers, VA spokesman Matt Burns said.

Another worry is that the information could reach foreign governments and their intelligence services or other hostile forces, allowing them to target service members and their families, the experts said.

Source: Washington Post (Thanks to Viv for the tip!)

Written by MCruz on June 7th, 2006 with 1 comment.
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