Pacific Biosciences of California is notifying employees and dependents after a laptop with personal information was stolen from an employee’s home. The theft occurred on September 16.
In a letter to those affected, Natalie Welch, Senior Director of Human Resources, writes that the personal information involved included names, contact information, birthdates, Social Security numbers, direct deposit information, compensation information, and insurance information.
There is no explanation as to why the employee had personnel information at home, whether that was acceptable under their policy, and why the data were not encrypted – and if that, too, was acceptable under their policy.
Those affected have been offered free services through AllClear.
A copy of the letter was uploaded to the California Attorney General’s web site.