WTVR reports:
Though the Richmond Fire Department spokesperson believes it was a mistake, a file containing all department Social Security numbers was exposed online.
A file was created that contained all department Social Security Numbers, it was a file created for users that needed access to the information, according to Lt. Robbie Hagaman. For example, if a fighter was injured, their personal infomration, including SSN, could be accessed.
But at some point security protocols may have been lost, he said, and this would go months back. The file was removed within one hour of being brought to their attention.
Read more on WTVR.