By Barton Lorimor Email | @bartonlorimor
*** 7:15 p.m. *** - A source briefed on the matter says the Dept. of Corrections inadvertently released employee names, job titles, and Social Security Numbers while completing a Freedom of Information Act request filed by a member of the general public.
Still confirming the details. Stay tuned.
*** 7:35 p.m. *** - Quad Cities Dispatchis on it now, too…
Illinois officials erroneously released the Social Security numbers of more than 1,000 Illinois Department of Corrections’ employees this week.
A news release from the IDOC on Friday evening stated that, in response to a civilian Freedom of Information Act request, employees’ Social Security numbers were released along with their ranks, salaries and job duties.
…Adding…
Official DOC statement…
On Friday, August 14th, we were made aware of a security breach within the Illinois Department of Corrections. More than 1,000 of our employee’s Social Security Numbers were included in a response to a civilian FOIA request, along with their names, ranks, salaries, and job duties. We sincerely apologize for the release of this personal information and we are working to remedy the situation. At this time, there is no indication that the information has been misused. We are in the process of notifying the impacted employees and will be available to assist them with any questions they may have.
Since the breach was discovered, we have undertaken an investigation of the incident. We are also reviewing our internal policies and procedures and will make necessary adjustments to prevent similar incidents in the future. The General Assembly has also been notified, as required under the Personal Information Protection Act, 815 ILCS 530.
*** 8:42 p.m. *** - The Department of Corrections says it has launched an internal investigation into the incident. They won’t confirm where the employees worked just yet, however employee notifications are being sent out in tomorrow morning’s mail.
*** 9:09 a.m. 8/15 *** - AFSCME’s statement…
“The department yesterday informed our union of the potential breach of correctional employees’ personal information. In response to this troubling disclosure, AFSCME immediately recommended steps to inform employees and prevent the data from becoming public.
“At this time we believe that the actions of a quick-thinking mailroom worker stopped the information from being released. That individual is to be lauded for their actions and good judgment.
“AFSCME will do all we can to protect the security and personal privacy of the men and women who keep Illinois safe.”
[Emphasis added.]
