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Another computer with veterans' information is missing

The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that another laptop containing the personal data of up to 38,000 veterans has been stolen.  Although the department was made aware of the problem on August 3, the theft was publicly announced yesterday.  The desktop computer was stolen from Unisys, a subcontractor for the Department of Veterans Affairs that handles insurance collection at VA hospitals in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.  VA patients' names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, insurance carrier and billing information, and dates of military service could be at risk, according to the VA.  An investigation is now being conducted by the VA's inspector general, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police authorities.

This isn't the first time that veterans' personal data has been compromised due to theft.  At least two people have been charged in the theft of a laptop computer and external hard drive from the home of a Department of Veterans Affairs employee in late May.  The laptop contained the personal information of 26.5 million veterans.  Christian Brian Montano, 19, has been charged with first degree burglary, theft over $500, conspiracy to commit burglary and theft.  His alleged partner in crime, Jesus Alex Pineda, 19, faces first degree burglary and theft over $500 charges.  Charges are pending on another suspect who is a minor.

With several lawmakers already putting pressure on the management style of the VA, more pressure is going to be placed upon Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson.  In fact, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada has called on Nicholson to resign after reports of the latest theft surfaced yesterday.

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P.O.ed
By SEAWOLF607 on 8/8/2006 4:25:03 PM , Rating: 2
As a Vet. this ticks me off. Who ever is allowing such lack of control over this data needs to be fired.




RE: P.O.ed
By masher2 (blog) on 8/8/2006 5:47:59 PM , Rating: 2
> "Who ever is allowing such lack of control over this data needs to be fired."

Firing a government employee is pretty much impossible...all you can do is give them a "lateral promotion".


RE: P.O.ed
By rushfan2006 on 8/9/2006 9:23:13 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Firing a government employee is pretty much impossible...all you can do is give them a "lateral promotion".



.....or shoot them ;)


how dumb can you be...
By kattanna on 8/8/2006 4:54:33 PM , Rating: 3
i mean of all the groups of people you could possiblely carelessly handle their private data...these people are choosing to carelessly handle veterans data..

people who are trained killers...i mean come on..do they have a death wish or something...loose the wrong elite commandos data whos having a bad day on bad binge....whos in his scope now..


though maybe..thats whats needed for them to start taking it seriously.

i know as a veteran myself..this doesnt make me happy..though i doubt im in this group like i was in the last one.





RE: how dumb can you be...
By rushfan2006 on 8/9/2006 9:25:45 AM , Rating: 2
I just feel bad for you, and all our vets....you guys/gals put your lives into defending this nation and this is how "we" (well the VA department anyway) treats your personal data?

Its unacceptable at best, and someone should be beaten with a pool cue at worse.


um.....'scuze me?
By marvdmartian on 8/8/2006 4:14:38 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
One More Missing Military Computer with Vet Data

Last time I checked, the VA department is NOT part of the US military. While they're closely related to each other, kissin' cousins, if you will, they're not both under the same department or secretary.




RE: um.....'scuze me?
By rushfan2006 on 8/9/2006 9:22:11 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Last time I checked, the VA department is NOT part of the US military. While they're closely related to each other, kissin' cousins, if you will, they're not both under the same department or secretary.


Geez...wow the guy made a simple mistake. Last time I checked humans can make mistakes.

Hmmm...just got an idea....can you please bend over...I have a lump of coal....I figure in a few years you can drop me a diamond that I can retire on.

;)


Good Job
By rrsurfer1 on 8/8/2006 4:02:28 PM , Rating: 3
Way to learn a lesson.




Who did it?
By Schadenfroh on 8/8/06, Rating: 0
RE: Who did it?
By CheesePoofs on 8/8/2006 5:41:30 PM , Rating: 2
Those are the best partners in crime I've ever seen. Christian and Jesus ... both behind bars. lol


Laptop or desktop?
By Crassus on 8/9/2006 9:26:48 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that another laptop containing the personal data ... The desktop computer was stolen from Unisys, ...


I'm not sure they are really sure what was stolen ...




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