Considering the central data file staff for each employee contains up to 780 pieces of information about the employee, there are many who are exposed in the breach to be concerned. The data allegedly stolen include military documents and state veterans information, addresses, dates of birth, work and pay history, information on health insurance, life insurance information , pension information and data on age, sex and race. The union accuses the OPM to minimize the seriousness of the breach and said he believes the Social Security numbers are not encrypted.
Who is at the heart of this attack?
Although it has not been officially confirmed, most signs point to Chinese hackers sponsored by the state as the culprits responsible for the attack. Recent Comments intelligence officials and members of the leadership of the government, as Senator Harry Reid have fueled this theory. There seems to be a disturbing trend emerging hacks sponsored by the Chinese state of the US government and American companies. Intelligence officials said that almost all major companies of the United States was hacked from China. The targeting of government data suggests that the goal is to build a database of information on the operation and internal employees of the US government to perpetrate future attacks.
Should I be concerned?
Anyone who has been employed by the federal government should be concerned about the risk of identity theft. Take steps to protect yourself, as following the steps outlined in this article, can be a good way to feel better this intrusion of privacy. Even for those whose information has not been exposed, this kind of data breach in the government is not easy to swallow. If the US government can not protect the data of its employees, how companies can work with ordinary people? Although you can not completely prevent identity theft, you can inquire and take action to protect your privacy. Learn more by following our blog protect against identity theft.