Connecticut state data tape stolen

HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 17 (UPI) -- A backup computer tape containing Connecticut state agency bank account numbers and personal financial data on more than 1 million people is missing.

Sunday, Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell issued a statement calling the theft an "unfathomable violation of information security," The New York Times reported from Hartford, Conn.

The tape was stolen June 10 in Ohio from the car of a 22-year-old intern with Ohio’s Office of Budget and Management. It was part of a computer project for the state using a system under development for Connecticut by the consulting firm Accenture to develop computer systems integrating payroll, accounting, personnel and other fiscal functions, the report said.

Connecticut Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal, said Accenture is providing free credit protection for the 57 Connecticut residents people whose information was on the tape. The other financial information on the tape involved about 1.3 million Ohio residents, the report said.