Pentagon data breach: 30,000 DoD staffers' data compromised
What's the story
As many as 30,000 Department of Defense (DoD) staffers' details have been compromised in a breach affecting one of Pentagon's contractors. The breach, found just recently, compromised travel records of the workers, including their personally identifiable information as well as credit card credentials. The department is now investigating the matter, and has informed the affected personnel. Here are more details.
Details
Workers' data compromised, but classified information safe
The Pentagon revealed the breach on Friday, noting that it affects its civilian and military staffers. A US official familiar with the incident told AP News that nearly 30,000 workers' data have been compromised and the numbers could increase as the investigation continues. However, the source did stress on the fact that no classified information was compromised in the breach.
Contractor not named
Essential details, however, still remain unknown
As is always the case with government-related cases, hardly any information has been revealed about this latest breach. A Pentagon official said the department is collecting information on the scope of the attack and the party behind it, but didn't reveal the identity of the compromised contractor. It's also worth noting that the breach was found in October but might have occurred much earlier.
Quote
Statement from Pentagon spokesperson Lt. Col. Joseph Buccino
"It's important to understand that this was a breach of a single commercial vendor that provided service to a very small percentage of the total population. The department is continuing to assess the risk of harm and will ensure notifications are made to affected personnel".
Follow-up steps
Affected staffers being contacted, warned
As the investigation continues, the Pentagon will contact the affected staffers in order to warn them of the potential risks and would provide fraud protection services. The affected vendor, on the other hand, is still under contract for travel management services, but the department "has taken steps to have the vendor cease performance under its contracts." More details might surface as the investigation continues.