Marriott Discloses Missing Data Files

["Richard M. Smith" <rms () computerbytesman com>]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/27/AR2005122700
959_pf.html
 
Marriott Discloses Missing Data Files
Backup Tapes Lost At Time-Share Unit


By Michael S. Rosenwald
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 28, 2005; D01




Marriott International Inc.'s time-share division said yesterday that it is
missing backup computer tapes containing credit card account information and
the Social Security numbers of about 206,000 time-share owners and
customers, as well as employees of the company.

Officials at Marriott Vacation Club International said it is not clear
whether the tapes, missing since mid-November, were stolen from the
company's Orlando headquarters or whether they were simply lost.

An internal investigation produced no clear answer. The company notified the
Secret Service over the past two weeks, and has also told credit card
companies and other financial institutions about the loss of the tapes.

The company began sending letters to time-share owners and customers
Saturday, and issued a press release about the loss yesterday. Company
officials said they delayed making the matter public until they had
researched what information was on the tapes and whom it affected, and
determined the issue was sensitive enough to warrant a broad disclosure.

....

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