More fallout from this summer's OPM hack was revealed on Sept. 23, as officials announced that the fingerprint records 5.6 million federal employees were stolen during the breach.
OPM officials knew previously that fingerprint records were compromised as part of the hack, but a DoD investigation revealed that the original estimate of 1.1 million records had increased five-fold.
"Federal experts believe that, as of now, the ability to misuse fingerprint data is limited. However, this probability could change over time as technology evolves," OPM official said in a statement.
"Therefore, an interagency working group with expertise in this area – including the FBI, DHS, DOD, and other members of the Intelligence Community – will review the potential ways adversaries could misuse fingerprint data now and in the future."
OPM officials added that the revelation does not increase the number of the 21.5 million employees affected by the breach, but an interagency team would notify the individuals impacted.
Don't Miss CYBERCON 2015, a cybersecurity conference coming Nov. 18, featuring DISA Director Lt. Gen. Alan Lynn and more government leaders. Get details here.
OPM has been battling the massive breach for more than three months, revealing in June that the records of 21.5 million employees, including those of acting director Beth Cobert, had been stolen by hackers, presumed to be from China.
OPM announced in September that it was extending identity theft protection to all federal employees impacted, as well as their dependents. The agency's statement on Sept. 23 said that it would evaluate its identity protection coverage to determine what adjustments needed to be made in light of the new information.
Former OPM Director Katherine Archuleta resigned after the breaches were revealed.
For more on the OPM hack, visit Federaltimes.com
Don't Miss CYBERCON 2015, a cybersecurity conference coming Nov. 18, featuring DISA Director Lt. Gen. Alan Lynn and more government leaders. Get details here.
