BankRI Announces Security Measures in Response to Stolen Laptop; Potential Release of Data Poses No Risk to BankRI Accounts

BankRI Announces Security Measures in Response to Stolen Laptop; Potential Release of Data Poses No Risk to BankRI Accounts:


PROVIDENCE, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 18, 2003--Bank Rhode Island said today that its principal data service provider, Fiserv, Inc., reported the theft of a laptop computer that contained some BankRI customer information.

The Bank emphasized that it had no indication that this information has been misused or been improperly accessed. As a precaution, BankRI has notified all customers whose information was potentially included on the stolen laptop, is monitoring accounts for unusual activity, and has augmented its internal security procedures.

'There is no risk to any BankRI accounts as a result of this incident,' said Merrill Sherman, President & CEO. 'We deeply regret this incident and sincerely apologize for any anxiety or inconvenience this may cause.'

An investigation into the theft is ongoing as are efforts to recover the stolen laptop. 'Fiserv has been proactive in addressing this incident,' said Sherman, 'and we are assisting them, the FBI and law enforcement agencies in their investigation.'

The information on the laptop potentially included 43,000 customers' names, addresses, and social security numbers, but did not include key account access data such as personal identification numbers (PIN), account passwords, debit or ATM card information, or other financial data. Fewer than 100 BankRI account numbers were included. These, however, were not identified by customer name."