FAA loses staff data in hack attack

Hackers have stolen personal data from the Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has admitted that its servers have been breached, and that the personal data of its 45,000 staff may be at risk.

A total of 48 file systems were accessed, two of which contained payroll files for employees who were with the agency in February 2006.

"The FAA is moving quickly to prevent any similar incidents, and has identified immediate steps as well as longer-term measures to further protect personal information," said the organisation in a statement.

"The server that was accessed was not connected to the operation of the air traffic control system or any other FAA operational system, and the FAA has no indication that those systems have been compromised in any way. Appropriate law enforcement agencies have been notified and are investigating the data theft."

The files are thought to contain names, ages, social security data and encrypted medical information.

The FAA is notifying employees thought to be at risk, and has set up a free phone line and a web site detailing how staff can protect themselves from identity fraud.