MOSERS resumes members' online access

Almost 700 Missouri government retirees renewed their online access to account information Tuesday, the Missouri State Employees Retirement System (MOSERS) said.

"We did have 686 members who established a new password today and logged into their member homepage," spokeswoman Candy Smith said Tuesday afternoon. "Staff were on the phones all day assisting members and are available Monday-Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."

Officials anticipate a high level of password activation and phone calls in the next several days, she added.

MOSERS shut down its online access last week, after confirming that there had been four successful attempts beginning last month to fraudulently complete an online form for active members.

Members were told they couldn't get information online about their accounts until Tuesday morning - and that, beginning Tuesday, all members would have to regain access to their accounts as though they were first-time users.

"Since we blocked all access to member home pages last week, we have added additional layers of security," Smith said. "For the most part it is going very smoothly.

"Our website traffic today is at about twice the normal level and we are also experiencing high call volume - but we are fully staffed and ready to help."

Any MOSERS members having difficulty registering or resetting their passwords can contact a benefit counselor to assist them at 800 827-1063 toll-free, or 632-6100 or by email at [email protected].

When the hacking situation was found, information was turned over to both the Highway Patrol and the FBI.

"We know that law enforcement is continuing to work this case, but we do not have any additional information yet," Smith said.

"We will continue to post updates to our website as information becomes available."

Last week, MOSERS said no money had been disbursed because of the hacking efforts, and that situation had not changed on Tuesday.