Used MP3 found to contain sensitive U.S. military data

A New Zealand man who thought he got a great deal paying just $15 for a used MP3 player got more than he asked for when he checked out its contents. Chris Ogle found the digital music player that he bought contains some 60 pages of U.S. military data as well as names and personal information of U.S. soldiers. 

Beyond mere embarrassment to U.S. officials, it is likely that these outdated files would have limited consequences, which dates back to 2005. Of concern though, is the personally identifying information that is also found. Certainly, the prevalence and ease with which identity fraud can be conducted makes it undesirable to have one's address and Social Security Number lying around. 

Interestingly, the device turned out to be broken--which might just be the reason why Ogle offered to turn it over to the U.S. Defense Department if approached. Enterprise might want to take a note from this experience and follow in the footsteps of the U.S. military, which recently banned the use of USB flash drives and other removable media.

For more information about the story:
- check out the article at InformationWeek
- check out the article at Ars Technica

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