Veterans Affairs Security Breach
The Department of Veteran's Affairs informs us that there has been a security breach of confidential veteran information. After a break in at an employee's home confidential information regarding as many as 26.5 million veterans and some spouses was stolen. This information contained data such as name, social security number, date of birth.
"Authorities believe it is unlikely the perpetrators targeted the items because of any knowledge of the data contents," a VA statement said. "It is possible that they remain unaware of the information which they possess or of how to make use of it. However, out of an abundance of caution, VA is taking all possible steps to protect and inform our veterans."
Lessons to be learned:
- Make sure you have a data security policy
- Make sure your employees know what it is
- Make sure you know what is stored on employee laptops and personal computers used at home (or on other digital media)
- Remind employees periodically of your policy so they do not become complacent with confidential information