FBI investigates break-in at ID card contractor

Two laptop computers and other equipment were taken from a federal center in New Haven that processes applications for a program that provides identification cards to workers with access to seaports, federal officials said.

Authorities say the computers, a camera and biometrics collection equipment were taken from the Grand Avenue site over the weekend.

The FBI is assessing whether there was a threat to national security, said spokesman Edward Garlick.

Christopher White, a spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration, said the stolen laptops do not pose a security risk. He says data is wiped clean daily and is encrypted, so it's not accessible to thieves.

Lockheed Martin, the contractor at the center, collects the data and submits it to TSA for background checks to make sure applicants do not pose a threat.

The theft was criticized by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss.

"Security of personal data is paramount to our national security. The fact that these computers were not secured, is unfathomable and irresponsible," Thompson said.

White said one laptop was used for enrollment information and the other computer was used for administrative purposes and is passport protected with no personal identifying information.

"The data on the computers is simply not in question," White said.

One person's data was still on one of the computers, but the data was encrypted and not accessible, White said. That person was notified, he said.

For enrollment, officials collect fingerprints, names, birth dates, addresses and phone numbers.

The more than $70 million program has been criticized because of potentially intrusive background checks on the workers and the $132.50 cost of the card, which workers must pay.

Last year, two laptop computers with detailed personal information about commercial drivers who transport hazardous materials were stolen. The computers belonged to another contractor working for TSA for a different program.