WorkForce West Virginia concludes investigation of security incident involving the Mid Atlantic Career Consortium Employment Services database

CHARLESTON, W.VA. — WorkForce West Virginia has concluded an investigation of a potential security incident involving the Mid Atlantic Career Consortium Employment Services database, or “MACC” website.

After learning of this incident, WorkForce immediately took the system offline. The security incident was investigated. The risk assessed and the agency engaged a professional third-party forensic firm to manage on-going risk mitigation. 

“Mitigating any potential risk for constituents continues to be our top priority,” said Scott Adkins, acting commissioner of WorkForce West Virginia. “Constituents should follow the guidance provided in the letter they received from WorkForce if they have any questions.”

Workforce West Virginia reports that files were not downloaded, extracted or manipulated. 

Notification letters to individuals whose personal information was potentially accessed included the following information: 

What Happened
On April 13, 2021, WorkForce learned an unauthorized individual accessed the job seekers database. Upon discovery, immediate steps were taken to secure the network and WorkForce immediately began an investigation. An experienced computer forensic firm was hired to help determine what happened and what information may have been accessed.

What Information Was Involved
On May 14, 2021, the investigation identified some personal information stored in the job seekers database was potentially accessible including name, address, phone number, date of birth, and Social Security number.

What We Are Doing
WorkForce regrets any inconvenience or concern this incident may cause. To help prevent something like this from happening again, WorkForce has implemented additional technical safeguards.

The letters sent to affected constituents include instructions for those individuals to take if needed and included contact information for the third-party forensic firm which can be reached at 1-855-537-2138, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time, excluding major U.S. national holidays.

WorkForce Commissioner Scott Adkins will be present during Governor Justice’s virtual briefing on Thursday, June 24, to discuss the incident and answer questions from media.