Computer disks belonging to the state Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing may have been accidentally discarded, and state officials are warning clients that the missing disks may include some of their personal information.
The state Department of Health and Human Services is sending letters to people who applied for services from the Equipment Distribution Service from January 2005 through December 2008.
The disks were likely taken to a landfill during a recent office renovation, state officials say.
The information contained on the disks is accessible only by using special software, state officials say, but they are alerting clients as a precaution. The letter explains what happened, offers advice on avoiding identity theft and scams and urges clients to check their credit reports regularly.
“Our staff is revisiting our policies and procedures to ensure protection of all records,” said division director Jan Withers said in a statement. “Since 2008, all of our documents were encrypted to ensure their security, and all information will be stored in electronic secure files effective Sept. 30, 2011.”
