Ohio Workers’ Data on Stolen Tape

A stolen computer back-up tape contained the names and Social Security numbers of more than 64,000 Ohio state workers, it was reported Saturday.

The tape was stolen last Sunday from a state intern’s unlocked car, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said at a news conference Friday.

Information about dependents and other personal information may be on the tape if the workers participated in the state’s pharmacy benefits management program, Strickland said. Strickland has asked the Ohio inspector general to investigate the theft and the state’s response for an independent assessment.

Strickland called it highly unlikely that a thief would have the knowledge or equipment to retrieve the data from the tape, the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch reported.

 We have no reason to believe that there has been any breach of security at this time, and we think it is unlikely that a breach would occur, Strickland said.