Security flaw knocks La. site offline

Louisiana's Road Home site, which allows residents to apply online for home repair grants, was yanked offline last week, because of a security flaw that allowed other users' information to be displayed to applicants. The site is back online now, said the technology vendor, ICF International. Times-Picayune reports:

The Web site -- whose launch last week was sluggish because so many homeowners tried to fill out applications -- has been beefed up with more "robust servers," the company said.

The Road Home program, crafted by the Louisiana Recovery Authority using $7.5 billion in federal aid for homeowners whose houses were damaged or destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, provides grants of up to $150,000 for uninsured damages.

Homeowners must fill out an application before they can meet with advisors. The form asks for such personal financial information as insurance and mortgage information.