Laptop stolen in West Virginia contained information about state workers
A laptop containing personal information of West Virginia state employees was stolen out of a parked car in Charleston, W.V.How many victims? 535 total; 425 employees with the West Virginia Insurance Commission, and 110 employees in the state Bureau of Medical Services and Child Support Enforcement Division of the state Department of Health and Human Resources.
What type of personal information? Social Security numbers, payroll and benefits information, full names or first names.
What was the response? An independent audit of the laptop was conducted and notification letters are being sent out.
Details: The information on the computer was password protected. Officials said it was probably a crime of opportunity since the laptop was easily visible and the thief likely was not targeting the laptop for the personal data.
Quote: "We take any breach of security very seriously and place priority in protecting all confidential data maintained by state government or any contractor which we utilize," - Diane Holley, administration spokeswoman.
Source: The Charleston Gazette, The Charleston (W.V.) Gazette, “Stolen Laptop Had West Virginia State Workers' Information”, Oct. 07, 2008.
