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A WorkSource Oregon specialist helps a job seeker at an unemployment office in Tualatin.

(The Associated Press/2012)

State technology experts are investigating the size and source of a data breach discovered Monday within the Oregon Employment Department.

Matt Shelby, a spokesman for the central state Department of Administrative Services, said security was quickly restored. "Now it's just a matter of trying to identify whose information was accessed and what," he said.

A statement issued by the Employment Department said the breach came to light as a result of an anonymous tip.

Data breach hotline

People who think they may have been affected by the Employment Department data breach can call a hotline that will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and those same hours again Monday through Friday. The number is 877-643-4322.

The specific target was the WorkSource Oregon Management Information System, which Oregonians use as they look for jobs at state unemployment offices. Shelby said it stores personal information commonly used on job applications, such as names, addresses and Social Security numbers.

The Employment Department said it shut down the system after confirming the breach, then moved to protect personal information. The system was restored Monday afternoon.

State police are also involved in the investigation, Shelby said.

This is not the first time a state agency has been hit. Hackers targeted the Oregon Secretary of State in February. Shelby said investigators do not believe the two breaches are related.

-- Molly Young

Note: Read an updated version of this story here.