Tax Agency Laptop Stolen

HARTFORD — Attorney General Richard Blumenthal reacted immediately offering assistance while demanding better protections upon learning a state tax department laptop containing identity information on more than 100,000 state taxpayers was reportedly stolen.

“We must hold state agencies accountable to the same standards as corporations that suffer security breaches,” Mr Blumenthal said in a statement. “We have demanded that corporations provide immediate notification of everyone affected, and effective measures to protect them.”

A notice on The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) website states the agency will begin notifying affected taxpayers about the theft of an agency laptop computer containing information on approximately 106,000 taxpayers. The laptop contained taxpayer names and Social Security numbers.

The stolen laptop was password-protected, according to the release, which was unattributed to any specific agency source.

“It is highly unlikely that someone could access the data without specialized knowledge. However, due to the nature of the information on the laptop, DRS is sending letters to taxpayers who may be impacted. The agency has no information to date that any of the data has been accessed. All actions being undertaken by DRS are preventative,” the release states.

“Steps are being taken to protect Connecticut residents from individuals who may try to use this personal information in criminal ways,” DRS Commissioner Pam Law said. “In the meantime, we urge all state residents to sign up for free identity theft prevention services to ensure their personal information is safe from misuse.”

Mr Blumenthal pointed out that the DRS has rightfully acknowledged its responsibility.

“My office will work with them to ensure that every taxpayer is protected from misuse of their valuable confidential information,” the attorney general said, adding his staff will be seeking critical details about how this information was vulnerable to theft, and what corrective measures will be necessary to prevent future security breaches.

“This serious security breach — sensitive personal financial data belonging to more than 100,000 taxpayers at risk — demands immediate action to protect against identity theft,” Mr Blumenthal said.

DRS has notified the appropriate law enforcement authorities of this theft and is conducting an administrative investigation. The agency will also establish a website to provide the public with information about identity theft and steps individuals can take to protect their information.

The website will be publicized when it goes live, the DRS release said.