Computer Security Problems Found at IRS
By JIM ABRAMS
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) – IRS employees ignored security rules and turned over sensitive computer information to a caller posing as a technical support person, according to a government study.
Sixty-one of the 102 people who got the test calls, including managers and a contractor, complied with a request that the employee provide his or her user name and temporarily change his or her password to one the caller suggested, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, an office that does oversight of Internal Revenue Service.
The caller asked for assistance to correct a computer problem.
The report said that by failing to question the identity of the caller the employees were putting the IRS at risk of providing unauthorized people access to taxpayer data that could be used for identity theft and other fraudulent schemes.
“This is especially disturbing because the IRS has taken many steps to raise employee awareness of the importance of protecting their computers and passwords,” said Inspector General J. Russell George.
For the entire story go to Breitbart.com
Corra has seen enough to say identity theft has become a major problem. Perhaps even that is an understatement. Identity issues permeate many aspects of the work place as well as private life. Too much information has led to information overload, and that has caused the proverbial security dams to overflow.
When hiring someone it is important to make sure that person is who he really says he is. The Social Security Trace will help as will a background check of criminal records. The Drivers License Report will also help in establishing a candidate’s true identity as well as show the candidate’s actual record.
If the IRS can release sensitive information, imagine what a corrupt employee can do to your business. Check them out before you hire.
