6,500 CNET Networks Employees Exposed in Data Theft
Over 6,500 CNET Networks employees and relatives will soon receive notifications of a possible data breach as CNET has recently discovered the theft of computer systems from the offices used by the company to administer its benefit plans.
The information was handled by Colt Express Outsourcing Services in its Walnut Creek, California offices where the burglars broke in. According to PC Worlds’ coverage of the story, CNET was not the only company affected by the theft. While it’s not really clear which are the other companies exposed to the data theft, the Colt Express’ other customers include companies such as BroadVision, JDS Uniphase and 24 Hour Fitness.
The stolen equipment “contains the human resources data of several of their clients including CNET networks,” CNET Senior Vice President of Human Resources Jose Martin said in a June letter notifying employees of the incident.
The computers contained names, birth dates, Social Security numbers and employment information of the beneficiaries of CNET’s health insurance plans.
