Google Search Uncovers Los Rios Student Data
Quick Facts
- Date: 3/7/2007
- Institution: Los Rios Community College District
- Type of Incident: Unauthorized Disclosure
- Number Affected: 2,000
- Source: ESI
- Abstract Source: Sacramento Bee
Abstract
A college student at on the the community colleges in the Los Rios Community College District recently receive a surprise when performing a Google search for his name. On one of the sites listed, this student found a database contain personal information on him and about 2,000 other Los Rios Community College District students. Available in this database are student names, birth dates and Social Security numbers. According to Los Rios officials, the database was a test file for an online application system back in October. Los Rios immediately removed the file and requested Google remove the information from their systems as well. The server logs show that the only individuals to access the file were the student who uncovered the problem and his wife. Los Rios also contacted all affected students with warnings about possible identity theft and recommended these student monitor their credit reports. However, Los Rios officials did not comment on why staff used live student data as a test.
