Oops. Here is a strong argument for having a proper data disposal policy (and adhering to it).
Names and Social Security numbers for 139 Champaign police officers were left on a computer donated to charity.
The city notified those in the database that their personal information may have been unintentionally released, but city staff members do not believe the data was compromised, according to Information Technologies Director Fred Halenar.
A computer from the police department contained the data, he said.
Last year, the city donated 50 computers. Of those, five were donated to the Champaign Consortium, including the one in question. Halenar said the concern was, “Even though we don’t think (the personal information) was compromised, we still must take measures to see it doesn’t happen again.
It is commendable that the police saw fit to donate the computers to charity. More organizations should adopt a similar program. However, this is a text book example that the road to hell is indeed paved with good intentions.
Tags: Data Destruction, Data Disposal, Privacy
