Data Breach Alert: Medicade computers stolen in Texas

Posted by Joe on March 10th, 2008

Two desktop computers stolen from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission offices in Texas City, Texas which contian some information about Medicade clients were stolen in an overnight burglary on Wednesday.

It is unclear exactly what information may have been stored on the computers at this point although, according to spokesperson Stephanie Goodman, it is highly unlikely they contained social security numbers. Goodman also said it is unlikely that the impacted Medicade clients would be notified of the potential data breach.

While it is surprising that potential identity theft victims are not being notified of the breach, Texas law does not require state agencies to protect social security numbers. Therefore, even if social security numbers do end up being exposed in this breach the impacted consumers would not need to be notified under current Texas legislation.