Retirees Notified of City Security Breach

On August 18, 2007, a laptop computer being used by a consultant to the New York City Financial Services Agency (FISA) was stolen. The computer contained personal identifying information on a certain number of retirees who receive pensions through city pension systems.  It is likely that some PSC retirees are included in this group. The City is unable to provide us with information about which individuals were included. Two weeks later a notice was sent out to all retirees. The union was first made aware when our retired members began receiving letters from FISA. The Welfare Fund followed up to obtain copies of all correspondence distributed as well as FAQ sheets to assist our members. The data of primary concern is name, Social Security number and bank account number. The affected group among PSC members appears to be some or all of those who have a TRS or NYCERS pension. The letter sent by FISA includes enclosures that will help assess the risk as well as obtain ways to monitor whether there are consequences.

The PSC has expressed its extreme displeasure with the level of security that permitted this breach and has called for further investigation, including City Council hearings, to determine appropriate remedial measures.