IRS admits its computer systems were HACKED and private information was stolen

[pwaldo]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...o-100-000.html

Thieves used an online service provided by the IRS to gain access to information from more than 100,000 taxpayers, the agency said Tuesday.

The compromised data included tax returns and other tax information on file with the IRS.

The IRS said the thieves accessed a system called 'Get Transcript,' which was set up in order to give taxpayers a way to retrieve their own filing history.

In order to access the information, the thieves cleared a security screen that required knowledge about the taxpayer, including Social Security number, date of birth, tax filing status and street address.

'The IRS notes this issue does not involve its main computer system that handles tax filing submission; that system remains secure,' the agency said in a statement.

The IRS said thieves targeted the system from February to mid-May. The service has been temporarily shut down.

'In all, about 200,000 attempts were made from questionable email domains, with more than 100,000 of those attempts successfully clearing authentication hurdles,' the agency said.

[duane1969]

Oh great...bet I am one of the "lucky" 100k. My return is taking forever.

[gsj68]

they will get a nice bonus anyways