Another example of gov’t servers lacking security
If you have used the Internal Revenue Service’s computerized program to obtain copies of your old tax returns, there is an excellent chance criminals have personal information about you. It has happened to more than 700,000 taxpayers, the IRS admitted this week.
It was known about a year ago that computer hackers used the IRS “Get Transcript” program to obtain personal information on 344,000 taxpayers. The actual number is more than twice that, the agency now admits.
Obviously, forms submitted to the IRS include information identity thieves can use to steal money from bank accounts, credit cards, etc.
Revelations about the IRS are just the most recent to emphasize the federal government’s computer networks are among the least secure in the United States – and contain some of the most sensitive data.
Perhaps the government should be talking to Apple Inc. about increasing computer security – not about how to defeat it.