U.S. Service Personnel Data Stolen

BStrunk writes "I was reading the news this morning on Reuters, when I stumbled across this article: U.S. Service Personnel Personal Data Stolen In the article, an official violated policy by taking the detailed personal information of thousands of active and reserve troops to his personal home, storing it on a personal computer, that was later stolen. In an age where domestic phone calls are monitored, a government employee was allowed to walk out of a government installation with the data on thousands of American citizens to store on an insecure personal computer? Doesn't that seem strange to you? This is a real failure, in my opinion, in government protection of its citizens. Layers of encryption and protected access was successfully bypassed to make the theft of this information as simple as stealing a home pc. Now, not only do service personnel currently serving have to worry about IEDs and being fired upon, but they are now subject to possible identity theft. A real failure. After this, how could one have faith enough to serve an inept institution?"

Happens all the time

[gasmonso]

This happens all the time unfortunately. People's stupidity can circumvent and electronic security measures. But I'd rather have my identity stolen than my legs blown off by an IED.

http://psychicfreaks.com/ [psychicfreaks.com]

Re:IED?

[Foofoobar]

Its a device used to keep from getting pregnant. In the late 80's, there was an IED for OIL program that the UN started with limited success. Since then, the country has had a glut of birth control so much so that inventive terrorists have discovered a way to turn them into cheap and effective weaponry. This is why the military has upped its recruiting of pre-teen girls to combat this menace.

Re:Strange question

[thrillseeker]

After this, how could one have faith enough to serve an inept institution?

Why do we need all the editorializing in the blurb?

You must be new here.

Don't Worry...

[dcollins]

Don't worry, this is all fixed now, and can't possibly happen again. We recommend that you not dwell on past history, and move forward into the future. Your private information is completely safe with the government, we've learned our lesson.

And that goes double for next time, too.

Re:More Than Identity Theft

[Anonymous Coward]

And after you win the case and get the job, all your new co-workers will want to be your best friend.