DCL-06-27, Safeguarding of Sensitive Information

DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER

DCL-06-27

ATTACHMENT: OCSE Security Review Activities - August 2006

DATE: August 9, 2006

TO: ALL STATE IV-D DIRECTORS

RE: Safeguarding of Sensitive Information

Dear Colleague:

As you know, the effectiveness of the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) Program depends upon the availability and use of sensitive data, including addresses, assets and employment information for the individuals involved in the program. To date, the CSE program, at both the state and federal level, has taken the necessary precautions to ensure that these data are safeguarded and used only for authorized purposes. You are to be commended and congratulated for your efforts in this regard.

The Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS) has been designed using security measures appropriate to a system that houses personal information. However, the recent wave of data thefts illustrates that even the strongest security can be compromised if an individual ignores sound security practices and procedures.

As part of the “continuous monitoring” phase of our security program, we regularly review our security controls at the federal level and strengthen them when and where needed. I wanted to share with you our most recent security activities in the event that you want to include them in your own plans to address potential security vulnerabilities. The attachment outlines those activities.

Thank you for your continued attention to this very important matter and your vigilance in protecting the privacy of individuals and the integrity of the CSE program.

If you have any questions regarding security requirements or need additional information, please contact Roy Nix at (202) 401-5685 or roy.nix@acf.hhs.gov.

Sincerely,

Margot Bean
Commissioner
Office of Child Support Enforcement

cc: ACF Regional Administrators
Regional Program Managers