The Port of Seattle announced today that six computer disks, containing personal information for 6,939 people who work for employers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, are missing. "We have no reason to believe that the information has been misused by anyone," said Mark Reis, managing director at Sea-Tac. "However, we do not know at this time whether the disks were misplaced, or were removed from Port property."

The disks were from the Airport I.D. Badging office, and had been scanned from paper I.D. forms. When it was discovered the disks were missing, the Port immediately conducted an investigation. As a precaution, the Port is sending letters to all individuals with names on the disks. No action is required by the individuals unless they are aware of any suspicious activity regarding their personal financial information; in that case, individuals should contact their financial and credit institutions.

The missing disks are from random dates, ranging from 2001 to early 2006, and carry names of employees from airlines, concessions, the Port and other employers at Sea-Tac. Some of the names may be of former employees.

"The Port will not be sending e-mails to individuals about this issue, only the personal letters," Reis added, "so the public should be cautioned against responding to any e-mails on this matter."

KW