As part of the continuing efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to protect and assist those potentially affected by the recent data theft that occurred at an employee's Maryland home, Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson recently announced that VA will provide one year of free credit monitoring to people whose sensitive personal information may have been stolen in the incident.

"VA continues to take aggressive steps to protect and assist people who may be potentially affected by this data theft," said Nicholson. "VA has conducted extensive market research on available credit monitoring solutions, and has been working diligently to determine how VA can best serve those whose information was stolen.

"Free credit monitoring will help safeguard those who may be affected, and will provide them with the peace of mind they deserve," he added.

VA is soliciting bids from qualified companies to provide a comprehensive credit monitoring solution. VA will ask these companies to provide expedited proposals and to be prepared to implement them rapidly once they are under contract.

After VA hires a credit monitoring company, they will send a detailed letter to people whose sensitive personal information may have been included in the stolen data. This letter will explain credit monitoring and how eligible people can enroll or "opt-in" for the services. VA expects to have the services in place and the letters mailed by mid-August.

People who believe they may be affected by the data theft can go to www.firstgov.gov for more information or call the toll free number 1-800-FED INFO (1-800-333-4636).

Story courtesy of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C.

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