On May 26, 2009, an intruder entered the office of Family Service Saskatoon and attempted, unsuccessfully, to open several locked file cabinets.  Nothing was taken from the filing cabinets.  All client files and counsellor’s notes are kept in a separate, locked room with a security code required for access.  We have notified the police, who are investigating and have consulted with Saskatchewan’s privacy commissioner and are following his Privacy Breach Guidelines.

The intruder did, however, leave with a lockbox containing a tape with backup data from our computer systems.  We believe that the lockbox was taken with the false assumption that it contained cash.  There is no indication that the lockbox was a target of the intrusion since it was to have been removed from the premises that day.

The personal information on the tape includes names addresses, telephone numbers and ages of clients, as well as the name of their counselor.  The names, addresses and phone number of donors are also on the tape. 

The following information was not on the tape:

Any counselor notes – all client files are in a locked room that is secured by a security code.

Any SIN numbers, health card numbers, credit card numbers or other identifying numbers. These numbers are never stored on our electronic data base.

While we have no reason to believe that the data from this back-up tape will ever be retrieved by anyone, we deeply regret that this incident happened.  We are reviewing our security procedures and will make necessary changes.  We are keenly aware of the need to ensure client and donor privacy and we will continue to make every effort to ensure that that privacy is protected.

We at Family Service Saskatoon take client and donor confidentiality very seriously and we will continue to explore ways to reduce any risk of exposure. More detail is available at www.familyservice.sk.ca. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Klaus Gruber, Executive Director of Family Service Saskatoon at 244-0127.