Tom-D
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Tom-D
I rercieved this in my Gov. e-mail today..
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
3/23/2007
WASHINGTON (AFNEWS) -- Defense Department officials have launched an
investigation into recent computer hackings of servicemembers' home
computers that compromised personal information and led to the redirection
of funds from their military pay accounts.
Over the past eight months, nearly two dozen Defense Finance and Accounting
Service "myPay" participants have had their accounts accessed by
unauthorized personnel, officials said. The myPay program allows DFAS users
to manage pay information, leave and earnings statements and W-2s online.
The compromise likely came from personal information being stolen from home
computers via spyware and keystroke-logging viruses, DFAS officials said.
A hacker redirected one servicemember's pay to a credit card vendor by
changing account information the day before pay day, said Tom LaRock, DFAS
spokesman. However, he added, DFAS quickly worked with his bank to have
funds returned to his account within two days.
When suspicious activity is detected under the current system used by DFAS,
LaRock explained, financial institutions are immediately notified so
reversals can be made to servicemembers' accounts. DFAS plans to launch a
new program soon that will increase the ability to detect unauthorized
changes prior to processing by pay systems. This will make the system for
myPay's 3.7 million users even more responsive, LaRock said.
"This won't completely stop compromises," he said, "but it will help alert
us more quickly so appropriate actions can be taken."
Key-logging software often is installed on systems when an individual simply
views e-mails or clicks links that look and seem like reputable sites.
Hackers then are able to detect passwords and other personal information,
DFAS officials said.
The organization is reminding customers that they have a responsibility to
take measures to protect their personal information from scams and identity
theft.
DFAS warns that a variety of methods can be used to attack home computers,
including phishing, malicious software and outside takeovers via bad
software configurations. Users are encouraged to install and continually
update anti-virus and firewall software.
DFAS offers tips for security and protection to its users on its Web site,
https://mypay.dfas.mil/PersonalData.htm
The Defense Department also offers free downloads of antivirus and firewall
software programs to servicemembers and civilians under terms of the DOD
enterprise antivirus license with supporting companies.
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
3/23/2007
WASHINGTON (AFNEWS) -- Defense Department officials have launched an
investigation into recent computer hackings of servicemembers' home
computers that compromised personal information and led to the redirection
of funds from their military pay accounts.
Over the past eight months, nearly two dozen Defense Finance and Accounting
Service "myPay" participants have had their accounts accessed by
unauthorized personnel, officials said. The myPay program allows DFAS users
to manage pay information, leave and earnings statements and W-2s online.
The compromise likely came from personal information being stolen from home
computers via spyware and keystroke-logging viruses, DFAS officials said.
A hacker redirected one servicemember's pay to a credit card vendor by
changing account information the day before pay day, said Tom LaRock, DFAS
spokesman. However, he added, DFAS quickly worked with his bank to have
funds returned to his account within two days.
When suspicious activity is detected under the current system used by DFAS,
LaRock explained, financial institutions are immediately notified so
reversals can be made to servicemembers' accounts. DFAS plans to launch a
new program soon that will increase the ability to detect unauthorized
changes prior to processing by pay systems. This will make the system for
myPay's 3.7 million users even more responsive, LaRock said.
"This won't completely stop compromises," he said, "but it will help alert
us more quickly so appropriate actions can be taken."
Key-logging software often is installed on systems when an individual simply
views e-mails or clicks links that look and seem like reputable sites.
Hackers then are able to detect passwords and other personal information,
DFAS officials said.
The organization is reminding customers that they have a responsibility to
take measures to protect their personal information from scams and identity
theft.
DFAS warns that a variety of methods can be used to attack home computers,
including phishing, malicious software and outside takeovers via bad
software configurations. Users are encouraged to install and continually
update anti-virus and firewall software.
DFAS offers tips for security and protection to its users on its Web site,
https://mypay.dfas.mil/PersonalData.htm
The Defense Department also offers free downloads of antivirus and firewall
software programs to servicemembers and civilians under terms of the DOD
enterprise antivirus license with supporting companies.