CR80News | More than 6,000 SSNs at University of Washington compromised

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Social Security numbers rarely fade away, even after they’re no longer being used as employee or student identifiers. That’s what the University of Washington learned when a computer hack put the names and Social Security numbers of more than 6,000 university staff, faculty and retirees at risk. The school had quit using the numbers seven years ago.

Yet, the SSNs were still housed on one server at the university’s Transportation Services and it was that computer that was hacked. While the breach occurred last December, those affected weren’t notified until last month. The reason? A university official described the hacked server as a “one-of-a-kind system” that made it difficult to identify exactly what information was affected.

More than 4,000 University of Maine students’ personal information may have been compromised in a recent server breach, according to Seacoast Online.

Accessed was a pair of files servers on the university’s Orno campus, containing names and Social Security numbers, as well as confidential clinical records dating back to 2002. Officials reported that the servers contained information about 4,585 students who have sought mental health services from the campus counseling center.

Mandatory meal plan spurs student lawsuit

Three Auburn University students aren’t thrilled with the school’s mandatory meal plan. They’re so “not thrilled” that they’ve filed suit against the university, claiming the plan violates restraint of trade and Alabama law.

PSU hit again, exposing over 15,000 students information

Penn State University has yet again been victimized with another data breach situation resulting in the possible compromise of 15,800 student’s personal information, according to eSecurity Planet.

Loyola expands campus card program

Loyola University, Chicago, is offering more buying power for its students through the campus card program, allowing them for the first time to take the card off-campus at local dining establishments. The program will start small, focusing on a handful of restaurants.

University Business, Higher One honors Models of Efficiency

University Business Magazine and Higher One are honoring seven colleges and universities in their summer 2010 Models of Efficiency program, to honor institutions of higher learning that meet the education business and technology challenges of today’s campuses.

UH security breach affects SSNs and credit cards

University of Hawaii officials made an announcement that a hacker was able to breach the security of a parking office server, which contained the personal information of some 53,000 people, according to the Honolulu Star Advertiser.

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More than 6,000 SSNs at University of Washington compromised