that mortgage information on the county Web site has been pulled for maintenance while the office looks into revamping the site.

The Suffolk County Clerk?s office had posted the names, addresses and Social Security numbers of residents on its Web site as part of its mortgage and deed records. Romaine, who is now a county legislator, says the information is public record and is available to anyone who comes into the clerk?s office. He also adds that while none of the records can be altered, it would be unlikely and extremely difficult for someone to find the Social Security numbers and other personal information.

Since published reports lambasted the county for posting the information, the office is looking into ways to keep the information secure and ease the public?s concerns on privacy issue.