Hackers steal MTV Networks' worker data

Dow Jones Newswires

Published March 8, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Updated March 8, 2008 at 2:53 a.m.

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Viacom Inc.'s MTV Networks became a victim of data theft after someone hacked into its computers and stole confidential information about its employees.

In an e-mail to staff Friday afternoon, MTV Networks said that data related to about 5,000 employees had been accessed illegally. The information included names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and salaries.

"We are taking every appropriate action to investigate this incident and to protect you and the company in future," MTV Networks wrote in the e-mail.

Identity theft has plagued the corporate world in recent years, with hackers tapping into the personal data of millions of people. One of the most serious breaches last year involved discount retailer TJX Cos.. It compromised millions of credit-card numbers of its customers.

Many states now require companies to disclose such data losses.

In a statement, Viacom said it had "contacted appropriate law enforcement authorities, who have begun a criminal investigation."

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