The Madison Police Department announced Monday that no sensitive information was accessed on a laptop computer stolen from an office in the City-County Building Friday.
The results of forensic tests performed on the recovered laptop showed multiple unsuccessful attempts were made to log into the computer, which contained 300 to 500 employee social security numbers collected between 2004 and 2007.
“We had the computer analyzed by police computer forensic staff, and it was determined that the information had not be accessed,” said Human Resources Director Brad Wirtz. “No citizens were involved other than city employees.”
Ald. Michael Schumacher, District 18, said the computer was taken from an office where photos were taken for employee IDs.
Schumacher went on to emphasize that laptop theft is the number one source of identity theft in the United States, and tighter control should be in effect as a result.
He said he had hoped to see a stronger reaction to the incident, including further investigation and an upgrade in security policy, along with a review of what information is contained on computers.
Council member Thuy Pham-Remmele also expressed concern about the theft.
“If it happened Friday night, why did it take as long as today to be notified?” he said. “I expect these people to do their job right and to take it seriously. To say you are sorry is not enough to me because the city cannot afford to give this information out.”
Pham-Remmele added any city computer contains sensitive information and demanded that people take responsibility for that content.
City staff members have since been urged to check the encryption of departmental computers and to ensure that their personal computers are protected.
“One thing that has been done today is our IT staff is doing full review of encryption software on all of the laptops that are used for the city,” said Rachel Strauch-Nelson, spokesperson for Mayor Cieslewicz. “This means if you’re not on network, you can’t access information.”
Strauch-Nelson said Cieslewicz is concerned, and he has asked to receive all specifics pertaining to the situation.
The laptop was recovered about two blocks from the City Council Building and turned over to the police Monday morning.
Wirtz issued an apology for the incident in an e-mail around 5:15 p.m. Monday.
“At this point, we can say with certainty that none of your personal information was compromised as a result of the theft,” he said in the apology. “Again, I want you all to know how sorry I am that this occurred, I accept full responsibility and I will do everything in my power to make sure that this does not happen again.”
Lt. Dave McCaw declined to comment but said police are currently investigating the theft.
Heather Burian contributed to this report