Ohio State Parks online reservation system hacked

Vendor for Ohio State Parks Reservation and Point of Sale System Monitoring Data Exposure; Credit Card numbers being monitored

COLUMBUS, OH — A data security incident with an online vendor that manages the Ohio State Parks reservation system may have exposed consumer credit card information. However, a forensic investigation indicated that the information necessary for identity theft was not part of the data security incident, according to a release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

The Ohio State Parks online reservation system is owned and operated by InfoSpherix, a Maryland-based company. The company experienced a malware attack, which exposed database information used in transactions from March 21 to December 22, 2010.

A spokesman for the Ohio State parks system told me that it was his understanding that only Ohio State Parks data was affected because other states managed by InfoSpherix are on separate servers.

I have sent an email to InfoSpherix seeking additional details on this matter and will update this post as soon as I hear from them.

Continuing with the Ohio State Parks release...

“ODNR takes consumer protection seriously and is confident that Ohio State Parks reservation users are protected from identity theft,” said Chief David Payne, Ohio State Parks. “All impacted credit card companies have been notified and they have confirmed that they are carefully and continuously monitoring every credit card number for potential fraud. To date, we have received no reports of fraudulent activity."

Consumers with any questions about their card accounts are asked to contact their credit card companies. No cardholder would be subject to financial liability if fraudulent activity is discovered.

The Ohio State Parks online campground reservation system was introduced in 2003, allowing users to reserve a campsite up to a year in advance, as well as place reservations for Getaway rentals, such as rent-a-camps, yurts and a variety of cabins. The system also is used for point-of-sale transactions within state parks.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.