Ohio State Data Review Update

6.17.07 - Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced the state has determined that additional information is contained on the computer back-up device stolen last week.

The Governor also announced today he will seek to engage Matthew Curtin, a nationally known expert on information technology, security and data forensics, to assist with the state’s ongoing review of the information in the stolen data device. Curtin is the founder of a Columbus-based firm, Interhack, dedicated to computer trustworthiness and information protection.

“Our review of the information in the stolen data device will continue until we have determined, with the assistance of this nationally recognized data forensic expert, that we have identified every piece of sensitive information contained in the device,” Strickland said. “We will continue to inform the public as new information becomes available.”

Among the newly confirmed data on the device:

1. Information Related to Uncashed Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Payments

The file contains individual TANF recipient’s names and TANF case ID numbers. Together, this information is considered confidential; however, it poses a remote threat of identity theft. The file contains 153,517 records. This file is believed to contain duplicates because Ohio’s TANF caseload is approximately 84,000.

2. Payroll Vendors

The file includes the name and federal tax identification number of vendors that receive payroll deduction payments from the State of Ohio. Approximately 1,200 records are included on this file. Additionally, 16 of those records contain vendor banking information. The State Data Review Team is continuing to analyze this file for additional information.

The Highway Patrol has made a P.O. Box available for any person to anonymously mail information related to the theft of the device, or the device itself:

P.O. Box 361901
Columbus, Ohio 43236

Saturday, the Highway Patrol established a tip line to report any information on the location of the device or suspect information: 1-877-OHSINTEL or 614-799-3555.

Source: Ohio Governor