Time Warner Inc. reported Monday the loss of computer backup tapes containing personal information, including the names and Social Security numbers of about 600,000 current and former employees. A container holding the tapes was lost by an outside data storage firm during shipment to one of the firm’s storage facilities. The U.S. Secret Service is investigating the matter.

“We take the security of our employees� personal information extremely seriously and we deeply regret that this incident occurred,� said Larry Cockell, Time Warner�s Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer. �While we have no evidence to suggest the information on the tapes has been accessed or misused, we are providing current and former employees with resources to monitor their credit reports while our investigation continues.”

Time Warner said the tapes did not include personal data on Time Warner customers.

(via Business Wire)