Navy Computers With Personal Data Stolen

WASHINGTON -- Two laptop computers with personal information on about 31,000 Navy recruiters and their prospective recruits were stolen from Navy offices in New Jersey in June and July, the Navy disclosed on Wednesday.

It was the third time in little more than a month that personal data on Navy personnel has been lost or unintentionally released publicly over the Internet.

"There have been no reports of illegal usage of personal data identified by these incidents," said Navy spokesman, Lt. Bashon W. Mann, adding that the Navy is identifying the affected individuals.

He said the information on the laptops was secured by several layers of password protection.

According to the Navy, one laptop was reported stolen from a recruiting station in Trenton, N.J., in early June, and the other was taken from a Jersey City, N.J., recruiting station in early July. While the thefts were initially reported to the police, the head of Naval personnel was not informed until mid-July.

Information on the computers included a list of applicants and recruiters as well as information from selective service and school lists. About 4,000 included Social Security numbers.

The police and the Navy Criminal Investigative Service are investigating.

In early July, Social Security numbers and other personal information on more than 100,000 Navy and Marine Corps aviators and aircrew were discovered on the Naval Safety Center's Web site. And in mid-June Social Security numbers and other data for 28,000 sailors and family members were found on a civilian Web site.

Individuals who believe they may have been affected by the thefts can contact the Navy or check the Web site: http://www.npc.navy.mil