Politics & Government

Personal Info Of 600K Californians Possibly Exposed In Break-In

The state said a break-in occurred on Feb. 11 where trespassers ransacked files.

CALIFORNIA -- The confidential information of nearly 600,000 Californians may have been exposed during a break-in at a state office, officials said Friday. The Department of Development Services said the break-in happened on Feb. 11 at a legal and audits office building in Sacramento.

The trespassers apparently ransacked files, vandalized and stole state property and started a fire, officials said.

Officials said they aren't sure whether confidential information was compromised but is notifying the public about the incident out of caution. The agency said it is also following federal requirements regarding potential breaches.

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In addition to the confidential information of about 582,000 residents in California, the trespassers also had access to the personal information of about 15,000 employees of regional centers, service providers, applicants seeking employment with the Department’s audits office, and parents of minors enrolled in DDS programs, officials said.

The agency said it immediately notified law enforcement authorities when the incident occurred, and an investigation is ongoing.

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--Photo via Shutterstock

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