WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Vt Tax Dept exposes personal info of hundreds

Vt Tax Dept exposes personal info of hundreds

Montpelier, Vermont - January 10, 2012

The Vermont Tax Department is scrambling to protect personal information after it says a computer problem left Social Security numbers for more than 1,300 people exposed on the department's website Monday. Federal Employee ID numbers for 245 businesses were also involved.

The department says the information was accessible for about two hours. It is sending letters to people impacted by the breach. It is encouraging taxpayers with questions to call or email the department at 866-348-4038 or Tax.DataProtection@state.vt.us. The department says it will post updates on its website -- www.state.vt.us/tax/DataProtection.shtml.

Officials are reviewing the department's information security procedures.