June 29, 2006

Federal Veterans Affairs (VA) Stolen Laptop Computer Recovered

(MADISON) – Breaking news from the national Associated Press today states that an announcement was made this morning by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Jim Nicholson, that the government has recovered the stolen laptop computer containing sensitive data for up to 26.5 million veterans and military personnel.

The announcement was made just before the start of a Congressional hearing this morning as part of a series of hearings about the VA breach in security.

Nicholson said the FBI is ascertaining whether or not data was copied or otherwise downloaded. However, Nicholson said, "There is reason to be optimistic," he told reporters. Nicholson said there have been no reports of identity theft since the May 3, 2006 burglary at the Maryland home of an agency employee who took home a laptop computer with the data, in violation of work rules. "It's a very positive note in this very tragic incident."

"The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs has remained vigilant in monitoring the situation," said department Secretary John A. Scocos. "We had immediately notified the Wisconsin veterans community about the situation when the initial news about the VA theft was first announced. Our website provides information about the federal VA data theft loss, as well as how veterans can monitor their credit reports and stay updated on this issue."

Information can be found at: www.dva.state.wi.us and click on VA Data Loss.