The Dallas County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that personal information has been compromised due to sold hardware. According to officials, thousands of surplus computers previously owned by the county were auctioned off and contained sensitive data.
The sale of these computers was a routine process for the county, as they typically sell their outdated equipment as surplus items. However, it appears that in this particular case, personal information was not properly erased from the hard drives before being sold.
"We have reason to believe that personal information may have been compromised due to this oversight," said a spokesperson for the Dallas County Sheriff's Office. "We are currently investigating this matter and taking all necessary steps to ensure that any affected individuals are notified."
The sheriff's office is urging anyone who purchased one of these surplus computers from an auction between 2018 and 2021 to contact them immediately if they believe their personal information may have been compromised.
This incident highlights the importance of proper data erasure techniques when disposing of old hardware containing sensitive information. It also serves as a reminder for individuals and businesses alike to take extra precautions when handling their own digital devices.
As the investigation continues, officials will work diligently to ensure that all affected parties are notified and provided with resources for protecting themselves against potential identity theft or fraud.