WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Following a computer security breach the U.S. Air Force has notified more than 33,000 airmen that their personal details have possibly been compromised.
The Register reported that the airmen were notified after Air Force personnel uncovered suspiciously high activity on one account into the Assignment Management System (AMS) careers database. The intrusions date back to June.
Preliminary investigations have concluded that an anonymous hacker apparently used a legitimate user's login information to access data from servers at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The base is headquarters of the Air Force's human resources operations. While investigators have yet to determine the motive for the attack, at risk Air Force personnel are being urged to take precautions in case their details are misused by identity thieves.
Air Force and federal investigators are currently investigating the security breach.
The Air Force uses the AMS system for assignment preferences and career management. The AMS system contains career information on officers and enlisted Airmen. While the AMS system also contains some personal information, including birth dates and Social Security numbers, it does not contain personal addresses, phone numbers or information about family members.
Authorities said the hacker accessed approximately half of the officer force's individual information. Maj. Gen. Anthony F. Przybyslawski, Air Force Personnel Center commander said, "Protecting Airmen's personal information is something we take very seriously, and we are doing everything we can to catch and prosecute those responsible under the law. "We notified the individuals involved, outlining what happened and how they can best insulate themselves from this potential risk. We've taken steps to increase our system security. We're working with all Air Force agencies to identify vulnerabilities."
