Computer files containing the personal information of approximately 500 individuals may have been accessed by unauthorized persons during a security breach at the Utah Division of Finance.

However, Department of Administrative Services spokeswoman Vicki Schoenfeld said in a press release an initial investigation indicates it is highly unlikely the person who breached the computer system was able to access the personal information. As a precautionary measure, the Department of Administrative Services will make every effort to contact all individuals whose personal information was potentially exposed, Schoenfeld said.

"We are now taking steps to determine the amount of information, if any, that was accessed by unauthorized persons. Utah attorney general special agents assigned to the Identity Theft Task Force are investigating this matter," Schoenfeld said.

State computer systems withstand more than 100,000 potential attacks a day, according to the press release. The state encourages individuals to be proactive and visit the IRIS ID Theft information and reporting Web site, www.idtheft.utah.gov, for precautionary information about preventing identity theft.