Canyons District investigating missing personal data

The Canyons School District is investigating the disappearance of a USB flash drive that might contain the personal information of current district employees or those who previously might have worked at a Canyons facility.

Legitimately used to transfer personnel information by a district employee, the drive is believed to contain addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth and Social Security numbers.

District officials are trying to inform employees of the situation, having conducted a Friday staff meeting with district staff and principals and distributing letters of notification from superintendent David S. Doty and district attorney Keith Bradford.

"This is a very serious matter, and we feel we have acted prudently and with all deliberate speed to protect our employees and prevent similar occurrences in the future," Doty said.

The employee using the flash drive and reporting its disappearance has been placed on paid administrative leave while the district conducts its preliminary investigation. The district also has notified police.

"We have no indication the information contained on the drive has been for criminal activity nor any confirmation of theft at this time," said Jennifer Toomer-Cook, district spokeswoman. "Our main goal is to be proactive and inform employees of all that we know, so they can take steps if they choose."

Officials of the first-year school district are working to develop policies, procedures and training regarding the handling and storage of sensitive information, vowing not to use flash drives for such information.

Besides inviting individuals to contact the school district with questions or concerns, Canyons officials are also encouraging current and past employees to visit idtheft.utah.gov for advice on requesting a 90-day fraud alert or credit freeze.

e-mail: taylor@desnews.com