Pennsylvania public welfare agency computers stolen
Where did the breach occur? Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare in Harrisburg.What happened? Thieves stole two computers containing information about patients receiving mental health or substance abuse assistance.
How many victims? 375,000 people.
What kind of personal information? The information was protected by multiple passwords, and many of the victims were identified by code, not name. But 1,800 victims had their names and Social Security numbers exposed.
What was the response? The agency is notifying victims and offering them identity theft prevention assistance.
Details: Officials do not believe any fraud has occurred.
Quote: "The department is taking all appropriate steps to prevent an incident like this from occurring in the future and is working with both state and local authorities and community partners to help those potentially affected." - Welfare Secretary Estelle Richman
Details: "Computers stolen from Pa. public-welfare agency had consumer info," Sept. 11, Associated Press.
