OPM Data Breach: Personnel Security Background Investigation Data. Michelle D. Christensen, Analyst in Government Organization and Management, July 24, 2015 (IN10327): “In a July 9, 2015, news release on the cyber-intrusions of its systems, OPM “concluded with high confidence that sensitive information, including the Social Security Numbers (SSNs) of 21.5 million individuals, was stolen from the background investigation databases.” OPM’s background investigation databases contain sensitive personal information on individuals (including congressional staff) who have undergone a personnel security background investigation as part of the security clearance process. This sensitive personal information may include financial and credit data, details on alcohol or illegal drug use, names of foreign contacts, or mental health information. OPM’s systems also contain information on individuals without security clearances, but who have undergone a background investigation for other reasons. For example, OPM conducts background investigations on individuals whose positions involve policymaking, law enforcement, or other responsibilities that demand a great deal of “public trust,” even if the positions do not require access to classified materials…”