Breach, Data Security

Nearly 5,000 impacted after Ohio manufacturer stores info on insecure server

Ohio-based manufacturer The Timken Company stored the personal information – including Social Security numbers – of nearly 5,000 current and former associates, as well as past applicants, on an insecure server, during which time one unauthorized party accessed the file containing the data.

How many victims? 4,983. 

What type of personal information? Names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, genders and results from employment hearing screenings.

What happened? The personal information was stored on an insecure server, during which time one unauthorized party accessed the file containing the data.

What was the response? Upon discovery of the incident, Timken removed the file from the server. Timken is ensuring all processes and practices relating to personal information are updated. Timken is notifying all impacted individuals and offering them a free year of identity protection services.   

Details: The file was stored on a server used for interchange of non-confidential data with third parties between Jan. 30 and Feb. 19. The file was accessed on Jan. 30.

Quote: “At this time Timken has no evidence that the file has been used for fraudulent purposes, but a team of employees and outside consultants has been working with law enforcement on this matter,” Donald Walker, senior vice president of human resources and organization achievement, wrote in the notification letter.

Source: atg.state.vt.us, “Timken Co Letter to Consumers,” March 3, 2014.

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