[September 16, 2011] EDITORIAL: ID-security help: It's the least EPISD can do Tweet Sep 16, 2011 (El Paso Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Are you a tad hacked at getting hacked? The good news is, that after its intranet network was hacked, the El Paso Independent School District is offering ID-security help. That's help for its employees, students and their families. It will still cost money for those who want to take advantage of the offer. On Aug. 31, someone was able to compromise the network. Now available to an unknown person, or persons, are: Names, Social Security numbers, birth dates and addresses. That means all are subject to identity theft. We'll stop short of lauding EPISD's move since we feel it is their responsibility to their people. EPISD, with some 100 campuses and a large central office, was unable to protect the most personal information of many thousands of people. We also understand that EPISD is a victim, too. At least the district has reached an agreement whereby a credit-monitoring company will offer its services at a reduced rate -- $77.76 or $119.76 annually depending on whether membership is for one person or for a family of two or more. Persons certainly don't have to use this particular company, Experian. But at least EPISD IS in a reduced-rate working relationship with a company. Robert Almanzan, head of Human Resources, said, "We're not saying this is the cheapest offer there. There are quite a variety of options." Paying for such a service is a lot of money for some people. And, no, the law does not allow EPISD to pay for the entire service. Public funds cannot be used for gifts, credit, money or value for any individual. The crime remains under FBI investigation. No further information has been released. Meanwhile, providing an option for ID protection is the least EPISD can do for its employees, students and families. ___ (c)2011 the El Paso Times (El Paso, Texas) Visit the El Paso Times (El Paso, Texas) at www.elpasotimes.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]