MCI says laptop, employee data was stolen
Notebook contained the names and Social Security numbers of about 16,500 current and former employees, according to a report.
The computer was stolen from a car that was parked in the garage at the home of an MCI financial analyst in Colorado, the report said.
An MCI representative told the Journal that the laptop was password-protected but declined to say whether the employee information was encrypted or whether the employee whose car was burglarized was authorized to carry such information on a laptop.
The long-distance carrier said there was no indication so far that any information had been sold or used for identity theft. The company also said it notified local law enforcement immediately and had sent letters to all the people whose information was on the stolen computer.
MCI told the Journal it was investigating the incident and might take disciplinary action against the analyst if it turns out that company policies were violated.
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