A computer security breach has been reported at the main courthouse server in Anderson County, officials said this week.
It’s a system-wide breach, said Anderson County Law Director Jay Yeager.
“The extent, type, and amount of data compromised has not yet been fully determined,” Yeager said. “However, this may include your confidential personal identifying data including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, health insurance information and claims, payroll information, bank accounts, routing numbers, Veterans Service Office benefit documents, and possible employee credit union account information.”
The notice was sent Monday to all Anderson County employees and retirees. Yeager also alerted elected officials, school officials and the school board, Veterans Service members, and county contractors.
“The Anderson County Commission is undertaking prompt efforts to protect this system and your confidential information from additional system intrusions,” Yeager said. “Law enforcement authorities are working diligently to determine the scope of the breach and identify possible perpetrators.”
WYSH Radio in Clinton reported that the computer security breach could affect about 2,000Â county employees, elected officials, and contractors.
The radio station, an Oak Ridge Today news partner, said the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Wednesday that they are heading the investigation with technical assistance from other law enforcement agencies that were not identified.
The breach was discovered late last week and reported to county officials and law enforcement and was discussed Monday evening by the County Finance Committee, WYSH said.
The information was released on Tuesday as county officials complied with an amended state law dealing with data breaches that requires notification to anyone whose personal information—encrypted or not—may have been compromised by a hacking incident.
While the scope of the possible breach is not yet known, Yeager warned that personal identifying information could have been compromised and recommended that anyone who may be affected should closely monitor their accounts and credit reports. The county is currently working to upgrade its security measures to prevent further hacks in the future and is also looking into procuring identity theft protection for those affected by this digital incursion, WYSH said.
“If you notice suspicious activity on any of your accounts, please alert the Anderson County Human Resources and Risk Management Department immediately at (865) 457-5400, extension 300, Yeager said. “We will inform you of any updates when they are received, provided the law enforcement investigation is not compromised.”
You can read more, including Yeager’s memo and the reaction of Anderson County Commission Chair Steve Emert here, and you can see comments from Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank here.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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