Educational Security Incidents (ESI)

Quick Facts

• Date: 3/28/2009
• Institution: Pacific University
• Type of Incident: Theft
• Number Affected: Unknown
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: KPTV

Abstract
Pacific University announced on Friday that administrators are trying to locate a stolen laptop that may contain sensitive information. The laptop, stolen from a staff member's home, did not contain any Social Security numbers. However, the university could not rule out other types of sensitive information. Administrators are encouraging staff and students to monitor their personal information and accounts even though there has been no evidence of misuse. Pacific has setup a web site - www.pacificu.edu/alerts/identity.cfm - to help answer questions about this incident.

Quick Facts

• Date: 3/26/2009
• Institution: Abilene Christian University
• Type of Incident: Penetration
• Number Affected: Unknown
• Source: DataBreaches.net
• Abstract Source: ReporterNews.com

Abstract
Abilene Christian University sent out an email informing the campus community about a breach of one the ACU's computer servers. The breached system contained a database of usernames and passwords tied to the ACU's email system. According to the university, this incident appears to be the action of a single individual and there is no evidence that the intruder obtained any personal information. Kevin Roberts, associate vice president of operations with the university, the university knows the identity of the individual responsible for the breach, but is not releasing any additional information because the ongoing investigation.

Quick Facts

• Date: 3/21/2009
• Institution: Solano Community College
• Type of Incident: Unauthorized Disclosure
• Number Affected: Unknown
• Source: DataBreaches.net
• Abstract Source: The Reporter

Abstract
Solano Community College is working to change its shredding policies after a mistake almost exposed student information. Solano staff discovered that a report containing the names, addresses, and Social Security numbers of the 2008 graduating class accidentally ended up as scrap paper in a mathematics labs. Staff were able to collect all pages of the report before any of it was used by students. According to Solano Community College Vice President of Technology and Learning Resources that the college has steps to tighten the security of printed documents to help avoid this type of mistake in the future. Solano has notified all affected graduates and has setup a hotline - 707-863-7102 - to help answer questions about the incident.

Quick Facts

• Date: 3/18/2009
• Institution: Huron University College
• Type of Incident: Penetration
• Number Affected: 25,000
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: Western News

Abstract
Huron University College is looking for help in contacting former students, applicants and residence after a server containing personal information was found to have been breached by an unknown party. The breach, discovered by staff attempting to fix another problem, potentially exposed the names, SIN numbers and dates of birth of some 25,000 individuals including those students residing on campus between 1999 and present, college applicants between 1992 and 2008, and register students between 2004 and present. While the investigation into the incident has not found any evidence that the personal information was accessed, the college can not rule that out. Huron has created a hotline - 866-953-7745 - to help address any concerns or questions about this incident.

Quick Facts

• Date: 3/18/2009
• Institution: University of West Georgia
• Type of Incident: Theft
• Number Affected: 1,300
• Source: OSF Data Loss Database
• Abstract Source: Fort Mill Times

Abstract
University of West Georgia officials are alerting faculty and students after it discovered that a stolen laptop contained personal information. The laptop, stolen from a professor vacationing in Italy during the summer, contained the names, addresses, phone numbers and Social Security numbers of 1,300 students and faculty. The reason for the delayed notification, according to university officials, was that the university was not aware the laptop contained any sensitive information until recently.