{"id":3261,"date":"2011-04-28T16:17:14","date_gmt":"2011-04-28T21:17:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trta.org\/?p=3261"},"modified":"2011-04-28T16:17:14","modified_gmt":"2011-04-28T21:17:14","slug":"comptroller-meets-with-trta-issues-statement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trta.org\/es\/comptroller-meets-with-trta-issues-statement\/","title":{"rendered":"Comptroller Meets with TRTA; Issues Statement"},"content":{"rendered":"
Comptroller Combs Meets with TRTA, Assures Retirees She is Working on the Problem<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs met with TRTA officials per our request this week to discuss what actions will be taken to protect the people whose information was exposed on a public computer server for over a year. Comptroller Combs expressed her deep regret over this incident and assured TRTA she would provide additional protections to all individuals affected by this security lapse.<\/span><\/div>\n
Today, she released a statement regarding several measures that will help resolve this issue. “I am deeply sorry this incident occurred and I take full responsibility for it,” Combs said. “This incident has affected the lives of Texans that I have dedicated my life to serving, and I am determined to restore their faith in the Comptroller’s office. That’s why we are taking additional actions to assist those who were affected and implementing new policies and procedures to help ensure this never happens again.”<\/span><\/div>\n
Starting tomorrow (April 29), those who have had their personal information posted due to this security lapse will be able to sign up for free credit monitoring and internet surveillance.<\/span><\/div>\n
Comptroller Combs also stated that identity restoration services for enrollees whose personal information is misused as a result of the lapse will be paid for by Combs’ campaign fund.<\/span><\/div>\n
TRTA members can read the complete statement by clicking aqu\u00ed<\/a> (or you can read her statement below).<\/span><\/div>\n
The posting of personal information of more than 3.5 million records from the Teacher Retirement System, the Employees Retirement System and the Texas Workforce Commission was a serious mistake that has put these individuals at risk of identity theft and fraud. TRTA asked the Comptroller to provide free credit monitoring for everyone impacted by this security lapse. The announcement today is a step in the right direction. <\/span><\/div>\n
TRTA members should visit the Comptroller\u2019s web site at <\/span>http:\/\/www.txsafeguard.org\/<\/span><\/a> and read about protecting your personal information. Starting tomorrow, TRTA members are encouraged to sign up for the free credit monitoring and internet surveillance program offered through the Comptroller\u2019s office (the service itself is being provided through CSIdentity). Information about signing up for this free service is also provided on the web site above.<\/span><\/div>\n
Please note, you are NOT automatically enrolled in this program. The free credit monitoring and internet surveillance program requires you to enroll online or by phone. If you know someone who may not have a computer or who does not receive the Inside Line, please get the word out about this free service.<\/span><\/div>\n
TRTA has not yet seen the web site that will be used for enrollees, so we welcome your feedback on how the enrollment process works. Again, enrollment for 1-year free credit monitoring and internet surveilance begins Friday, April 29 and ends on July 27, 2011.<\/span><\/div>\n
While this is a difficult situation and one that we wish had never happened, we do want to express our appreciation to Comptroller Combs for personally meeting with TRTA officials. Her sincerity in working to resolve this issue is clear, and we expect that her office will develop the safeguards necessary to always protect TRS retired and active members now and in the future.<\/span><\/div>\n
Thank you for your membership in TRTA. We know these have been challenging months and that the legislative session has been filled with uncertainty. The good news is that TRTA members are making a difference this session! If you are not a member but would like to join, please contact the TRTA office at 1.800.880.1650.<\/span><\/div>\n
From the Office of Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cFor Immediate Release<\/u> Contact: <\/strong>Allen Spelce <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
April 28, 2011 R.J. DeSilva <\/span><\/div>\n
(512) 463-4070 Comptroller Combs Takes Additional Actions to Assist People Affected by Unauthorized Data Posting and to Enhance Data Security<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Free Credit Monitoring Offered As of Friday Morning <\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
Combs to Cover Cost of Identity Restoration Services<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
(AUSTIN)<\/strong> \u2014 Texas Comptroller Susan Combs today announced a series of additional actions her office is taking to address the unauthorized posting of certain personal information on one of the agency\u2019s file transfer servers. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cI am deeply sorry this incident occurred and I take full responsibility for it,\u201d Combs said. \u201cThis incident has affected the lives of Texans that I have dedicated my life to serving, and I am determined to restore their faith in the Comptroller\u2019s office. That\u2019s why we are taking additional actions to assist those who were affected and implementing new policies and procedures to help ensure this never happens again.\u201d<\/span><\/div>\n
The additional measures being taken to assist those affected by the incident include:<\/span><\/div>\n