Equifax loses personal data in PC theft

ATLANTA, June 21 (UPI) -- Consumer credit information giant Equifax Inc. says personal data on some 2,500 U.S. employees has been taken in a laptop theft.

The computer, which included some full or partial Social Security numbers was stolen May 29 in Britain, and potentially affected employees were informed June 7, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reported Tuesday.

Equifax said it would be extremely difficult for any of the personal data to be used, given the format in which it was stored on the stolen computer.

The company also said it had taken "appropriate disciplinary" action against the unidentified employee whose violation of company security protocols exposed the laptop to the theft.