Personal data of 8,600 teachers stolen

WATERLOO, Ontario, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Personal unencrypted information about 8,600 Toronto school teachers on three laptop computers was stolen from an insurance organization, officials said.

The theft occurred Dec. 3 at the office of the non-profit Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan in Waterloo, northwest of Toronto, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported Thursday.

Spokeswoman Julie Millard told the broadcaster the computers were password-protected, but the names, addresses, birth dates and Social Insurance Numbers weren't encrypted.

She said once it was determined there was personal data on the computers, a consulting firm was hired to advise the affected teachers on how to protect themselves from identity theft.

"We believe their identity is safe because of the measures we're taking to protect them," she said.

Waterloo Regional Police said the "smash and grab" theft also saw a cash register smashed and attempts made to break into a supply cabinet.

The province of Ontario enacted a new regulation late last year requiring all government agencies to encrypt all data, but the teachers' insurance plan is non-governmental.