Eircom Laptops Stolen Leads To Potential Data Breach

A potential data breach for up to 6,845 eMobile and Meteor customers along with 686 employees to the Data Protection Commissioner has been reported by eircom.

The breach is a result of the theft of three laptops, two laptops from eircom's offices at Parkwest, Dublin and a third laptop stolen from the home of an employee.

The incidents were immediately reported to the Gardai and two separate investigations are ongoing. There is no evidence at this time that the data at risk has been used by a third party.

eircom treats privacy and protection of all data extremely seriously and we have taken the following pro-active measures to address the situation.

More than 20 customer care agents and account managers have initiated a contact programme to telephone all 550 customers whose financial data may be at risk. The agents will notify the customers of the risk and inform them of the specific data involved. They will also answer any questions or concerns they may have. In addition, all impacted customers will be notified by letter.

As a precautionary step, we have contacted the Irish Banking Federation, who has notified their members of the potential risk to data for affected eMobile and Meteor customers.

Meteor customers who believe they may have been affected can contact us at 1800 444 085 or log on at www.meteor.ie.

eMobile business customers can contact us directly on 1800 428278 or can visit www.emobile.ie.

Impacted staff have also been notified of the incident.

(CD/GK)