From Reuters: Sensitive documents about U.S. taxpayers were found in trash outside all Internal Revenue Service sites visited in a investigation, putting the people at risk of identity theft, an inspector’s report says. The tax collection agency must bolster oversight of contractors who dispose of papers with personally identifiable information, the inspector general for tax…
Author: Dissent
Bits ‘n Pieces
In the justice system: In a follow-up to a case reported last year, former Texas lottery worker Joseph Mueggenborg was arrested and charged with illegally “possessing” personal information on 140 lottery winners and employees, including their names and Social Security numbers. How he got hired by another state agency after being fired by another one…
UK: Legality of GMC confidentiality guidance questioned
Doctors who follow new GMC confidentiality guidance could be breaking European law, experts have warned. The draft guidance outlines conditions in which patient data may be disclosed ‘in the public interest, without patients’ consent, and in exceptional cases where patients have withheld consent’. […] Sharing data for research will be ‘ethical but illegal’. Read more…
Ca: Passport applications from Kelowna go missing
From the Canadian Press: More than one month after they were filed in Kelowna, at least 50 Canadian passport applications have disappeared. Passport Canada officials in Vancouver confirm the loss. They have advised affected applicants to check their bank accounts and keep a close watch for any potential identity theft. In December 2008, the Privacy…
Unu is back! 8.000.000 is the magic number – gamespot.com
From Hackers Blog: “Unu”, the ex HackersBlog member that stole the spotlight with his findings in internet security has come up with a new, very interesting finding. He gained access to personal data of a very large website. According to unu, over 8.000.000 (that 8 followed by 6 zeros!! 8 Millions) member accounts of gamespot.com…
Heartland Data Breach: Hearing Set for Class Action Suits
From BankInfoSecurity.com: A federal judicial panel will hear arguments next week on whether to consolidate the class action lawsuits brought against Heartland Payment Systems (HPY) by financial institutions. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation in Louisville, KY will hear the arguments next Wednesday, according to Benjamin Johns, one of the lawyers representing the class action…