NASCAR drug lab data stolen
Although Aegis provides NASCAR with laboratory drug testing services, absolutely no drug or medical records pertaining to NASCAR were on the laptop or drives. Among material on the laptop and external drive was a 2009 file that primarily listed names and social security numbers of individuals involved in the sport.
While there appears to be no identity theft to date, NASCAR is taking every precaution possible to address this situation including contacting all individuals whose names appear on the file. Aegis also is providing outreach and consultation.
It should be noted that the process that allowed information to be available on a laptop/drive could not happen today due to a data-processing system that NASCAR and Aegis have utilized since 2010.
NASCAR apologizes to the affected individuals for this unfortunate incident involving one of our vendors, and we are pressing Aegis to do everything necessary to mitigate this situation.
Aegis Statement
Aegis Sciences Corporation, a forensic sciences company that provides toxicology and consulting services to various organizations, has learned that a laptop computer and external hard drive storing the personal information of individuals primarily associated with one of the company’s clients were stolen on November 22, 2011. The majority of the individuals reside in the state of North Carolina.
To date, there is no evidence that information on the computer or hard drive has been accessed or misused in any way. The theft has not compromised Aegis’ IT security systems.
The data contained on the laptop and hard drive did not include medical records or laboratory test result information. The stolen computer and hard drive contained personal information of approximately 1,703 residents of North Carolina and approximately 482 residents of other states or locations. The personal information on the stolen devices varies by individual, and letters are being sent to each individual describing what data was stolen. The information may include: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address, social security number, driver’s license number, credit card information and/or bank account information.
Aegis takes the security and privacy of client data very seriously. Upon learning of the theft, the company immediately notified authorities. In addition to working with police, Aegis has hired private investigators to attempt to recover the stolen items and prevent any violation of the information they contain.
Aegis has notified the organization significantly impacted by this situation. To help affected individuals, Aegis is offering each person a pre-paid two-year protection plan with Equifax, one of the leading credit reporting agencies in the United States, at no cost to the individuals. In addition, Aegis is establishing a toll-free line for affected individuals in case they have any questions about this issue or need assistance enrolling in the credit monitoring program. The toll-free number is 1-800-834-2243.
Aegis is revising its security procedures, encrypting data on laptop computers, and retraining affected employees on confidentiality and security procedures.
Aegis Sciences Corporation is a leading forensic sciences company providing toxicology services. The Company is based in Nashville, Tennessee.