VT: State computer hacked, thousands at risk

["Dissent" <Dissent () pogowasright org>]

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=6006557&nav=4QcS

A state computer containing the names, Social Security Numbers and
bank account information for 70,000 Vermonters has been hacked into
in an automated computer attack that puts their personal information
at risk for misuse, the state revealed Monday.

Human Services Secretary Cynthia LaWare said there is no indication
the information has been used illicitly, but she said it was
possible.

The state is planning to send letters to the affected individuals
Tuesday and Wednesday urging them to monitor their bank accounts. It
is also offering to pay for credit monitoring.

The Human Services computer was used as a tool to track
non-custodial parents who owe back child support. The state and a
number of banks exchanged financial information on the computer,
which was taken out of service in early December after technicians
discovered what they thought was a computer virus.

It remains offline, officials said.

About 12,000 of the affected individuals owed back child support.
The rest of the names _ about 58,800 people _ were supplied to the
state by the New England Federal Credit Union, which shared customer
information with the understanding that only the data on child
support debtors would be used.

New England Federal CEO David Bard said his organization provided
the extra names on two occassions, once in 2004 and once in 2005.
The 58,800 names represented almost the entire membership of the
Williston-based credit union, Bard said.

[...]

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