Hackers steal info on users of federal job site

Hackers have stolen the names and contact information of about 146,000 job seekers on the USAJOBS Web site, the Office of Personnel Management revealed Wednesday.

Hackers gained access to subscribers' names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers through the resume database maintained by Monster.com, the technology provider for USAJOBS, OPM said. Monster has told OPM that no Social Security numbers were compromised.

Access to the data was obtained via a Monster customer's computer using legitimate employer credentials. About 146,000 of the 2 million subscribers to the Web site were affected, with hackers likely intending to use the information to send counterfeit e-mails requesting further disclosure of information, OPM said.

Monster already has identified and shut down the server that was accessing and collecting the information. OPM is working with Monster to implement a long-term remedy to protect data.

OPM asked all USAJOBS subscribers to remain alert for counterfeit e-mails that may appear from Monster. "USAJOBS will never request personal information via unsolicited e-mail," OPM said in an alert posted to USAJOBS. "Monster has also assured us they will never ask any site users to download any software, tool or access agreement."

OPM is sending letters to subscribers to alert them of possible counterfeit e-mails. Individuals who receive a suspicious e-mail regarding a USAJOBS search should forward the e-mail to OPM at mayday@fedjobs.gov.