Thursday, February 22nd 2007
FBI Offers $25,000 for Lost Hard Drive
"Get rich, or die trying" - this time, there is no risk involved. The Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center, Alabama, in co-operation with the FBI, is looking for a lost hard drive, that went missing some time this week. The reward is set at a hefty $25 000 - the equation information = money literally applies in this case. The HDD was used as a backup disk for patients' information, and apparently, there were at least 500 000 medical records on the device. The reward is also being offered for the identification of anyone responsible for the loss of the Iomega external hard drive.
Anyone with information is asked to call the VA Medical Center at 933-8101, ext. 4401; the FBI at 326-6166; the VA OIG hot line at 1-800-488-8244; or the VA Medical Center Police at 933-8101, ext. 6444.
Anyone with information is asked to call the VA Medical Center at 933-8101, ext. 4401; the FBI at 326-6166; the VA OIG hot line at 1-800-488-8244; or the VA Medical Center Police at 933-8101, ext. 6444.
22 Comments on FBI Offers $25,000 for Lost Hard Drive
:roll:
Mine is and that suck's, 2nd time in 5 years thats happened!!
For us Europeans... could you please explain what data is on these disks that is SO SENSITIVE? Would like to understand... Thx
Enough for someone to steal your identity.
Two years ago when they lost a HDD is was returned anonymously and had not been accessed, It was determined that the theif was not willing to become a National Traitor, and truly regreted the theft.
Identity theft is a growing problem worldwide! If they steal your Identity they can take all your money and ruin your Credit Rating, and even break the law in your name making you liable. Most people never fully recover from having their identity stolen. Some cases are over thirty years old and these people can't even get a telephone without paying a $1000 deposite, due to bad credit.
To be honest, I don't understand exactly what someone can do with this data? Unless, it is something along the lines of fake credit... but then without YOUR signature, you are not legally liable.
My question remains? What info are they using for what? It just doesnt seem like a big issue, unless there are some MAJOR weaknesses in government or bank adminstration.
EDIT
Thanks for post -1. That helps to explain. Basically, too much "instant" credit relying on private credit rating agencies that:
1./ Use incorrect false data to create a credit record
2./ They are under no obligation to correct data
3./ No proper photo ID in the US
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So, its not the data itself that is the problem, but how private companies are USING the data in their management processes... without proper validation.
Class action lawsuit required.
Thanks for the explanation. The govt really needs to tighten up. And being able to create an accepted "photo id" in this manner is unacceptable. And that knowing this is so easy, that other institutions, e.g. banks or other gvt agencies, will open access to your account so easily. It's criminally reckless.
I understand your concern 100%
The PRINTING has the account number and name of BANK.
Brian
I for see lawsuits.
Yes it was encrypted and maintained.
Brian