Sensitive data breach avoided with password protection on stolen computer

Successful password manager practices have officials at an Atlanta YMCA breathing easily following the theft of a computer containing members' personal information, according to a Channel 2 Action News report.

The theft occurred at a software testing vendor in the Atlanta area, where a YMCA of Metro Atlanta computer was being held for tests, the report said. The computer stored the information of users who had joined in 2008, according to the report, and, if leaked, could have presented a threat for easy identity theft. Addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, birth dates, and bank account and credit card numbers were all stored on the computer.

In a letter sent to potential victims, local YMCA officials reassured members that the computer was password protected, providing some relief to those affected and saving face for the organization.

Just to be safe, the YMCA did encourage its members to keep an eye on their personal information.

Investing in password manager software can help other companies that have been subjected to public criticism following customer data breaches. Not only could preventing a data leak save a reputation, it can also prevent a costly lawsuit.