ESU reports exposure of computer records
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Emporia State University officials are sending a letter to about 5,700 students enrolled for summer and fall semesters, reporting an inadvertent transmission of a computer file containing students’ personal information.
In a news release today, university officials said that on Thursday, they became aware that a computer file containing personal information, including the names and social security numbers of a number of ESU students, had been inadvertently sent in an insecure manner. The recipient of the file is authorized to have access to the information, but not in the manner or format in which it was transmitted.
“We have no reason to believe the information was inappropriately accessed or used. Further, we believe the exposure to inappropriate use was very limited,” said Michael R. Lane, ESU president.
The incident was not the result of a malicious attack or break-in on the part of unauthorized individuals, and ESU officials have concluded that no financial-related data, such as credit card information, was included in the inadvertent transmission.
Michael D. Erickson, ESU associate vice president for technology and computing services, sent a letter to approximately 5,700 students currently registered for summer and fall classes.
“We have already taken steps necessary to correct the existing situation and to prevent this from happening again,” Erickson’s letter says.
“However, because the security of your information is of the utmost importance to us, the University felt it appropriate to advise you of this event. This is a very serious issue for us, and we know it is a serious concern for you. We have already taken steps necessary to correct the existing situation and to prevent this from happening again.
“While the likelihood of misuse of this information appears to be extremely low, should you feel at risk we encourage you to seek appropriate protection for yourself. This can be done by contacting one of the three major credit reporting agencies, each of which has an automated phone fraud alert process.
“The fraud alert tells creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. If you place a fraud alert, the agency you contact will notify the other two agencies.”
For more information, visit the ESU website at www.emporia.edu and click on the Emporia State University News link.