Story Created:
Dec 11, 2007 at 3:26 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Dec 11, 2007 at 3:26 PM CDT
DES MOINES -- A contractor working for the DNR revealed on December 5th that a computer jump drive containing the names and social security numbers for 7000 people is missing.
The DNR says the drive actually disappeared on November 21st.
Chief Technology Officer Rick Hindman tells TV9 the worker waited to report the error because he thought he would be able to find the piece of missing equipment. Hindman says the contractor believes the jump drive fell off of his desk and into a garbage can at a DNR office in Des Moines.
The 7000 people on the list work on wastewater and drinking water systems. They have to give their social security number to the DNR as part of the permit application process.
The DNR is notifying all 7000 people on the list and letting them know the flash drive was lost. It is encouraging them to put a fraud alert on their credit report. The DNR is also selecting a company to provide credit monitoring.
The IT contractor is still working for the DNR pending an investigation.
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Wednesday, Dec 19 at 6:03 AM Sebastián (The Netherlands) wrote ...
There's always risk of loss and theft, especially with these typical small, practically weightless high-capacity devices. The privacy sensitive contents on such a JumpDrive a.k.a. PenDrive a.k.a. MemoryStick should be properly encrypted at all times.
Thursday, Dec 13 at 12:19 PM nikkic wrote ...
that is so bad for someone to just say... i think if fell into the trash??? what's up w/ that? this is sooo bad!!! good luck to all who lost their ssn
Wednesday, Dec 12 at 10:22 AM Off the Grid wrote ...
I live off the grid. The internet and telephones made identity theft too easy. I pay for all my goods with fresh Eggs and chickens. Thats why I love Iowa. I can take 3 dozen eggs to walmart and get a blanket. I sent this message in morse code.
Wednesday, Dec 12 at 7:19 AM Jim wrote ...
Please people when will you realize that passwords are an outdated false sense of security? Check out tools like John the Ripper and tell me if you want to use passwords then. Biometrics is the strongest form of protection available not passwords.
Wednesday, Dec 12 at 2:23 AM VICTIM OF STICKY FINGERS wrote ...
WITH TODAYS TECHNOLOGY THIS SHOULDNT BE HAPPENING.IM IN DBQ AND I WAS 1 OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAD THERE CREDIT CARD INFO HEISTED AND CHARGES MADE. I DONT TRUST ANYONE WITH MY S.S.I INFO. I REFUSE TO GIVE IT OUT. SOMEONE WILL STEAL YOUR IDENITY NEXT.
Tuesday, Dec 11 at 9:17 PM Gene wrote ...
Jump Drives are nothing more than a small media drive (Thumb Drives) 2- 8 Gigabytes of storage. These can be lost or carried out by cleaning personal. Should have been password protected. Data is not safe unless steps are taken to secure it.
Tuesday, Dec 11 at 9:00 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Jump drive cost about 20 bucks. Why is the info on a portable device that small.
Tuesday, Dec 11 at 8:56 PM Tony Carr wrote ...
Why did it take almost three weeks to to let operater's know that there was a problem whih our SS # being LOST. I spent two days on the phone and I still don't know if the JUMP Drive is in the garbage can or ???????.
Tuesday, Dec 11 at 8:45 PM Anonymous wrote ...
jump drives cost pennies. $20 get s you a 1 gig jump drive.
Tuesday, Dec 11 at 6:56 PM Invisus Direct wrote ...
Looks like a job for iDefend!
Tuesday, Dec 11 at 6:25 PM Mike wrote ...
Uh, you can get a jump drive for less than 20 bucks
Tuesday, Dec 11 at 4:30 PM Anonymous wrote ...
jump drives are not cheap,the cost alone should be enough punishment.
Tuesday, Dec 11 at 4:13 PM jim wrote ...
I trust the IT contractor will pay all expenses notifying, monitoring & rebuilding the list. If us tax payers end up paying the bill I think we need a new Chief Technology Officer.
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