Software used to gain jobseekers' information

In a Sept. 1 letter to USAJOBS users, Steve Connelly, program director for USAJOBS, informed users their personally identifying information may have been accessed by unauthorized users. The letter follows:

Dear USAJOBS User,

Recently, malicious software known as Infostealer.Monstres, was used to gain unauthorized access to the Monster.com resume database to steal the contact information of job seekers. Monster Worldwide is the technology provider for the USAJOBS Web site and, regrettably, some of the contact information captured came from USAJOBS job seekers.

The information captured included names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail address. Monster Worldwide has assured the U.S. Office of Personnel Management that Social Security Numbers were not compromised because of IT security shields USAJOBS has in place.

Access to the data was obtained through the use of a private sector Monster customer's computer using legitimate employer credentials. OPM is working closely with Monster to quickly protect the USAJOBS data. Monster Worldwide already has identified and shut down a rogue server that was accessing and collecting the job seeker contact information. Further safeguards are being put into place.

We ask users to remain alert for counterfeit "phishing" e-mails that may appear to come from Monster.com asking you to click on a link. USAJOBS will never request personal information via unsolicited e-mail. Monster has also assured us they will never ask any site users to download any software, "tool" or "access agreement."

Please also be on the alert for fraudulent e-mail that advertises positions managing financial transactions, or cashing checks.

USAJOBS users who receive a suspicious e-mail regarding their USAJOBS search are asked to e-mail it, with the full "header" information intact, to USAJOBS at: mayday@fedjobs.gov. Instructions on obtaining header information can be found at: www.spamcop.com/help_with_headers/.

"Phishing" and Internet fraud is an issue that, from time to time, can affect any Internet user or business. USAJOBS remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the information provided by job seekers. Users with questions may contact mayday@fedjobs.gov.