Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Security Breach

On July 11, 2008, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) reported that a security breach had occurred, which resulted in the exposure of the names of former and current BMS employees and their dependents, their birthdates, addresses, Social Security numbers, employment-related data, and possibly bank account numbers. They noted that 10,415 New York residents are affected.

On June 4, 2008, BMS learned that a back-up data tape containing this information was stolen while being transported from storage. BMS maintains that the data on the tape was protected by a 12-character password and is only readable or accessible through the use of specialized software.

Currently, there is no information on the BMS website regarding this issue. However, in a letter sent to affected individuals dated July 12, 2008, BMS advises that it is offering a free one-year subscription to a credit monitoring company, Triple AdvantageSM at no charge to affected individuals. This service will provide affected individuals with a copy of their credit report; monitor their credit files at all three major credit bureaus; and, notify affected individuals of certain suspicious activities. Affected individuals must enroll within 90 days of the date of the letter they receive.

Affected individuals wanting more information on the breach should call 1-877-214-0689, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET.