New Computer Data Loss At Va !

[rainvet]

NEW COMPUTER DATA LOSS AT VA -- Jeff_Schrade@vetaff.senate.gov
“This whole problem with VA data security has got to stop,” Craig says

Sen. Larry Craig, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs

August 7, 2006 --- Jeff Schrade (202)224-9093

(Washington, DC) A newly reported missing computer involving the personal information of 37,000 veterans has triggered a stern reaction from the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

"On Friday VA officials informed members of Congress that a desktop computer containing information on veterans insurance claims was discovered missing from a subcontractor’s offices in Reston, Virginia. Since it was a private contractor involved, I expect VA to hold the contractor financially responsible for any costs that veterans may incur as the result of this loss," said Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) who chairs the Senate oversight committee on veterans’ issues.

VA was notified Thursday, August 3, by the Unisys Corporation that a desk top computer was missing from the contractor’s offices in Reston, Virginia. The Department of Veterans Affairs immediately dispatched a team to assist in the search for the missing computer and to help determine the precise nature of the information it may have contained. According to VA officials, information on the computer was password protected but was not encrypted.