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by Dave Gradijan

Connecticut Proactive in Helping Veterans After Data Theft

News
Jun 02, 20062 mins
CSO and CISOData and Information Security

As federal law enforcement agencies conduct a full-scale investigation into the recent data theft on 26.5 million veterans, the Windsor Journal reports the state of Connecticut is also taking steps to help its veterans.

The Journal writes that in Connecticut, Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced the creation of a special Identity Theft Information Team composed of staff from the Departments of Consumer Protection, Public Safety, Banking and Veterans Affairs to conduct identity theft-prevention seminars for veterans throughout the state on how to monitor financial accounts and credit reports and correct any erroneous information. Team members will meet with veterans through the VFW, American Legion and other veterans service organizations.

In addition, Rell has directed the state Department of Veterans Affairs to initiate an internal review of the agency’s security procedures and employee training standards used to protect veterans’ privacy information in the state’s possession, as well as to make recommendations on additional ways to enhance personal data security, the Journal writes.

At the federal level, the Department of Veterans Affairs is asking all veterans to be extra vigilant and to carefully monitor bank records, credit card statements and any statements relating to recent financial transactions, the article reports. However, the VA does not believe it is necessary to contact financial institutions or cancel credit cards and bank accounts, unless veterans detect suspicious activity.

The Journal also writes that the VA plans to send out individual notification letters to veterans to every extent possible. Additionally, working with other government agencies, the VA has set up a webpage and a manned call center that veterans may call to get information about this situation and learn more about consumer identity protection.

For more information on the data theft at the VA, read CSOonline’s special coverage page.

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Compiled by Paul Kerstein