Return to Article: Records on active-duty military included in stolen VA data

By Daniel Pulliam dpulliam@govexec.com June 5, 2006
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    I'm a retired veteran. I'm deeply concerned about this situation. Tricare has also lost similar sensitive personal information twice over the last three years. We are all required to protect Privacy Act information to avoid breaches such as these and help protect members from identity theft or other criminal activity. However, I don't believe the VA is offering a remedy by attempting to dismiss a 30-year employee. This is a systemic problem requiring a remedy; not a personnel problem. Taking home sensitive information creates an insecure handling of sensitive information, but has apparently been an acceptable standard/practice for a long time. I'm speculating the VA isn't the only agency practicing this protocol. The VA needs to fix the work process and protocols technologically; not find a scapegoat to ease public concerns. There are electronic means under secure environments for accessing data remotely.

    GovExec.com reader Posted June 7, 2006 3:43 PM

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Records on active-duty military included in stolen VA data
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