Ohio Governor Calls for State Inspector General to Investigate Theft of Data Storage Device

6.15.07 - Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland tonight called for the State Inspector General to investigate the circumstances surrounding the theft of a state computer back-up device and the state’s response to the theft. He called for this investigation after being informed tonight that additional personal information may be contained in the stolen device.

It is highly unlikely that the information contained in the stolen device has been accessed because specialized knowledge and equipment are required to extract it.

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“As we are continuing an ongoing review of the data contained in the stolen device, we have determined that information pertaining to participants in the state’s pharmacy benefits management program, including information such as names, social security numbers, addresses and phone numbers of the employees and the names and social security numbers of their dependents, may be contained in the device,” Strickland said.

The governor stressed that while it would be very difficult for a thief to access the information in the data storage device, it is important that employees and other Ohioans whose information could be at risk be informed immediately so they can take precautions to protect themselves from potential identity theft.

“I urge all state employees to visit the State Employee Identity Protection website, http://ohio.gov/idprotect/, to learn how to sign up for free identity theft prevention services,” said Strickland.

“We will continue this ongoing review and if additional personal information is confirmed to be on the missing data device we will make that information available as we know it.”

Source: Ohio Governor