Boston University
File Sharing Program on BU ROTC Computer Exposes Personal Information
Quick Facts
- Date: 8/20/2009
- Institution: Boston University
- Type of Incident: Unauthorized Disclosure
- Number Affected: 6,675
- Source: OSF DataLoss DB
- Abstract Source: Boston University News Release (DataLoss DB archive)
Abstract
Boston University is notifying several thousand students after personal information was found online. The files, belonging to the university ROTC program, contained the names and Social Security numbers of 6,675 individuals. According to the university, 406 of the individuals were BU students and the rest most likely belong to individuals involved with ROTC programs around the country. The files were accidentally released to the public in September 2008 after a file sharing program was installed on the computer without the consent of the university. The university worked quickly to remove the computer from the network once notified of the program. Boston University is offering free credit monitoring to all affected individuals.
