The Navy started a criminal investigation after Social Security numbers and other personal information for 28,000 sailors were found on a civilian website, an Associated Press article on Wired.com reports.According to the Navy, information was found in five documents and included people’s names, birth dates and Social Security numbers. Navy spokesman Lt. Justin Cole would not identify the website or its owner, but said the information had been removed. He would not provide any details about how the information ended up on the site.Cole also told the AP that the individuals whose information was posted have been contacted and encouraged to monitor their financial accounts.The article also states that in a letter Friday to Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, one member of Congress asked for details on the Navy incident, and questioned whether the Defense Department will make sure free credit help is provided for those affected. The article also reports U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, D-Massachusetts, said he had asked Rumsfeld two years ago about the implications of federal agencies outsourcing data collection and processing activities. While there is no indication that outsourcing was the problem in the Navy case, Markey said he wants to know what effect that would have on the security of information on military personnel.According to the AP, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating the breach. The initial discovery was made by the Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command, which routinely monitors the Internet for such problems. Compiled by Paul KersteinKeep checking in at our Security Feed page, or subscribe via RSS, for updated news coverage. Related content opinion Cybersecurity professional job-satisfaction realities for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month Half of all cybersecurity pros are considering a job change, and 30% might leave the profession entirely. CISOs and other C-level execs should reflect on this for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. By Jon Oltsik Oct 03, 2023 4 mins CSO and CISO CSO and CISO C-Suite feature The value of threat intelligence — and challenges CISOs face in using it effectively Knowing the who, what, when, and how of bad actors and their methods is a boon to security, but experts say many teams are not always using such intel to their best advantage. By Mary K. Pratt Oct 03, 2023 10 mins CSO and CISO CSO and CISO CSO and CISO news CIISec secures government funding to expand CyberEPQ program The funding will support places for 400 students with a focus on attracting a diverse pool of UK cybersecurity talent. By Michael Hill Oct 03, 2023 3 mins IT Training Careers Security news Multibillion-dollar cybersecurity training market fails to fix the supply-demand imbalance Despite money pouring into programs around the world, training organizations have not managed to ensure employment for professionals, while entry-level professionals are finding it hard to land a job By Samira Sarraf Oct 02, 2023 6 mins CSO and CISO Technology Industry IT Training Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe