Private Data on 300 Vets Stolen along with Backup Server
Burglars breaking into the Minneapolis Veterans Home stole a backup computer server containing private records of over 300 residents. The server stored telephone numbers, addresses, next-of-kin details, social security numbers and other private medical details or the 336 residents, according to the statement of an official with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs quoted by StarTribune.com.
It appears the burglars broke into the facility early on a Sunday. According to Gil Acevedo, deputy commissioner for Veterans Health Care, the thieves also took a tool kit, a laptop computer, a guitar and a computer game, and are unlikely to have targeted the private records.
“We don’t suspect the burglars came in looking for that specifically,” he said. “They broke in, kicked in several doors, and took a series of things. There’s no pattern.”
The case is currently investigated by the Minneapolis police together with the Veterans Affairs department. The residents, their families and credit bureaus have all been informed of the data theft in order to prevent subsequent identity theft and fraud attempts.
