DoD Announces Detection of Intrusion into TMA Files
April 28, 2006

The Department of Defense announced today that routine monitoring detected unusual activity on one of the TRICARE Management Activity’s (TMA) public servers.

Investigation of the activity led to the discovery that an intrusion had occurred and information was compromised.

William Winkenwerder Jr., the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, said the department’s response was swift but focused. “As a result of this incident, we immediately implemented enhanced security controls throughout the network and installed additional monitoring tools to improve security of existing networks and data files,” he said. “Such incidents are reprehensible, and we deeply regret the inconvenience this may cause the people we serve.”

Information contained in the accessed files varied, and investigators do not know the intent of the crime or if any of the information will be misused.

TMA has sent letters to affected individuals advising them of the incident and that the compromise of their personal information may potentially place them at risk for identity theft. Additional information has been provided to assist them in understanding the potential risks and precautions they can take to protect their identities.

The Defense Criminal Investigative Service is participating in the investigation.