FAA loses staff info in hack attack

The FAA has reported that its servers were breached and 48 file systems were accessed. Two of those contained the payroll files for employees who were with the agency in February 2006.

“The FAA is moving quickly to prevent any similar incidents and has identified immediate steps as well as longer-term measures to further protect personal information,” said the organization in a statement.

“The server that was accessed was not connected to the operation of the air traffic control system or any other FAA operational system, and the FAA has no indication those systems have been compromised in any way. Appropriate law enforcement agencies have been notified and are investigating the data theft.”

The files are thought to contain names, ages, social security data and encrypted medical information.

The FAA is notifying employees who are thought to be at risk and has set up a free phone line and a web site detailing how staff can protect themselves from identity fraud.