Educational Security Incidents (ESI)

Quick Facts

• Date: 10/29/2008
• Institution: University of Manchester
• Type of Incident: Theft
• Number Affected: Unknown
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: Student Direct

Abstract
An unknown number of thieves appear to have broken into the Humanities building of the University of Manchester on October 20th. According to the university, the thieves gained entrance through a ground floor fire door and worked their way through the building causing a large amount of damage to offices on the ground, third and fourth floors. A large number of desktop and laptop computers were also discovered missing from third floor offices. The university has notified students in the School of Education about the theft.

Quick Facts

Abstract

• Date: 10/7/2008
• Institution: University of North Dakota
• Type of Incident: Theft
• Number Affected: 84,000
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: Grand Forks Herald

Abstract
The primary software vendor for the University of North Dakota Alumni Association recently alerted the school after a laptop containing UND student information was stolen. The laptop, taken from a vehicle, contained the names, Social Security numbers and credit card information on 84,000 UND alumni. According to Tim O'Keefe, the UND Alumni Association executive vice president, there is minimal chance the data could be accessed. According to an announcement from the Alumni Association, the information was protected by multiple security measures including encryption. However, the Alumni Association is urging those affected to monitor their credit reports for fraudulent activity. To help, affected individuals are being offered one year of credit monitoring for free. The UND Alumni Association has more information on the theft is available here: www.undalumni.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=956.

Quick Facts

• Date: 9/8/2008
• Institution: University of Pittsburgh
• Type of Incident: Theft
• Number Affected: Unknown
• Source: ESI
• Abstract Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Abstract
The University of Pittsburgh is currently investigating the theft of a laptop containing alumni data. The laptop, stolen from the university's College of Business Administration on August 11, contained the names and Social Security numbers of an unknown number of alumni. The university sent out letters to the affected alumni on August 27. According to university officials, the information, placed on the laptop as part of a survey of undergraduate business school alumni, was stored against university policy. University officials declined to say if the employee responsible for storing the information on the laptop would face any disciplinary actions.

Quick Facts

• Date: 8/30/2008
• Institution: Rochester Institute of Technology - National Technical Institute for the Deaf
• Type of Incident: Theft
• Number Affected: 13,800
• Source: Attrition.org
• Abstract Source: WHAM

Abstract
Rochester Institute of Technology began notifying individuals associated with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf after a laptop containing personal information was discovered missing on August 25. According to RIT officials, the laptop contained the names, birth dates and Social Security numbers of the 12,700 individuals that had enrolled in the NTID since 1968. In addition, 1,100 members of the RIT community are affected by the theft as well. RIT officials are working with the Monroe County Sheriff's Department and urge affected individuals to place fraud alerts on their credit files. RIT has setup a hotline - 866-624-8330 - and web site - www.rit.edu/news/?v=46283 - to help answer additional questions about the theft.