Breach, Data Security

21.5 million SSNs stolen in second OPM breach, along with fingerprints and background info

The second data breach at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) compromised the background forms and Social Security Numbers (SSNs) of 19.7 million individuals, as well as 1.1 million fingerprints.

With background forms listing a hefty amount of personal information, an additional 1.8 million non-applicants, including spouses or cohabitants, had SSNs compromised as well, OPM wrote on its website. Most had undergone background investigations through OPM in 2000 or later.

SF-86, SF-85 and SF-85P forms were included in the compromised data, along with findings from background interviews and usernames and passwords applicants used to fill out their forms.

OPM said no health, financial, payroll or retirement records of federal personnel was impacted and notifications have not begun.

The prior breach affected 4.2 million current and former federal government employees, and data breach notifications were already sent to all victims.

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